Rurdem glares at the guards as Azghaad approaches and speaks his mind. While at first it seems like the stranger is trying to get rid of the guards for him, the fact that he insults Rurdem's prowess instantly gets the dwarf's blood boiling. Turning his ire upon the new comer he says, "Who are you ta be insultin' my prowess ya weak wristed, holier than though, unobservant fool. I'll have ya know I am gifted and don't you forget it." As his ire grows his hands begin to shift and grow, the nails lengthening and thickening, the bronze skin shifting into bronzed scales, his hands look suspiciously like the claws of a dragon and he seems on the verge of taking a swipe at Azghaad before Shalina steps in and distracts him
Catching the newcomer elbowing the pompous man in the side, Rurdem snickers, and says "And who are you lovely lady, this your husband? If so I feel mighty sorry for ya." His distraction causes his hands to shift back as he speaks to Shalina. He turns to face her more fully and gives a slight bow, "Ma name's Rurdem Wyrmborn miss, pleasure ta meet ya," he tosses a look at Azghaad, "Not sure I can say the same for him." Even though his words aren't really meant for her, he continues talking to Shalina as she's been the most reasonable person he's met so far today, "As for their bodies, nope, I didn' move 'em, as bad as that fool rogue was I wasn' about ta take chances, 'side I couldn' have carried all three at once anyway. If the patrollers want to deal with them they're in the Crypt of Anuhk, the furthest one is the rogue, and she's not all that far in. I doub't many traps remain between the entrance and her so it should be safe enough for 'em."
OOC:
Let's just start the dialogue again but feel free to copy and paste from previous posts.UNCHAINED
Well, the wound thresholds and scalable items are easy to implement but the automatic bonus takes some work so let me think about it.
"As for their bodies, nope, I didn' move 'em, as bad as that fool rogue was I wasn' about ta take chances, 'side I couldn' have carried all three at once anyway. If the patrollers want to deal with them they're in the Crypt of Anuhk, the furthest one is the rogue, and she's not all that far in. I doub't many traps remain between the entrance and her so it should be safe enough for 'em."
The Pharasmin soldier was firm, "That's fine, we will be careful and take care of the bodies. Funeral rites will be observed later this evening." He looked sternly at the dwarf, "However, you are no longer allowed inside the site and your group is officially disbanded; is that understood?"
No problem, just as long as we can read them.
Welcome aboard!
"And who are you lovely lady, this your husband? If so I feel mighty sorry for ya."
A hearty laugh escaped from Shalina. ”No...no. I have much more interest in artifacts than in starting a family – much to my parents’ chagrin.”
"Ma name's Rurdem Wyrmborn miss, pleasure ta meet ya,"
”It is nice to make your acquaintance as well.”
The Pharasmin soldier was firm, "That's fine, we will be careful and take care of the bodies. Funeral rites will be observed later this evening." He looked sternly at the dwarf,"However, you are no longer allowed inside the site and your group is officially disbanded; is that understood?"
Shalina waited to see if Rurdem would argue further with the Pharasmin. She contemplated whether meeting Rurdem was some sort of message from the universe. Akhmose had left them only this morning yet here they were in the company of a new dwarven adventurer. She watched the Pharasmin walk away which left them alone with Rurdem.
”So what are your plans now?”
Tag Rurdem
Rurdem glares at the Pharasmins and says, "Fine, jus git outta me sight an leave me alone. Aye'll find meself another group or make a new un."
Deciding the patrolman no longer matter to him, Rurdem turns his full attention on Shalina, the only one to be polite and not insult or otherwise tick him off today. "Well lass, i' looks like aye'm in need of a new group ta explore these tombs. Ya wouldn' be needin' a dwarf now would ya? Aye'm no' bad wi' me axe and have magic ta back me up. Aye 'ave several contacts within the antiquities community, an a great appreciation for gems an other valuable items. In fact, aye've been travelin' fer some years now tradin' jus' such items." As he speaks his eyes light up, particularly when he speaks of gems and valuables.
"Well lass, i' looks like aye'm in need of a new group ta explore these tombs. Ya wouldn' be needin' a dwarf now would ya? Aye'm no' bad wi' me axe and have magic ta back me up. Aye 'ave several contacts within the antiquities community, an a great appreciation for gems an other valuable items. In fact, aye've been travelin' fer some years now tradin' jus' such items." As he speaks his eyes light up, particularly when he speaks of gems and valuables.
Shalina relaxed further as Rurdem sent the Pharasmin on their way. Her smile widened a bit as he began to list his qualifications. ”Actually, as it so happens, we may be needing a dwarf.” She laughed a little at her own inside joke. ”I cannot speak for everyone but I think that we could use another pair of capable hands. You have demonstrated your ability to survive and this tells me you either have wisdom or you are extremely lucky - either way that works in your favor." Motioning to the others in turn she said, "You have already met Azghaad – he really is quite pleasant once you get to know him. This is Rubani and Amenon. Circumstances have left us a little short-handed so I would be willing to have you along with us today.”
Shalina tried to read the faces of her companions as to how they were feeling about Rurdem. She had visions of Azghaad challenging the dwarf to a magical duel in the middle of the necropolis and she really hoped that it wouldn’t come to that.
”You have my vote but I am only one of four.”
Tag everyone
Azghaad looked stricken, and his attitude changed immediately when he learned the dwarf was Gifted. "I am very sorry. I didn't see a component pouch, and the intrinsically gifted are so rare amongst dwarves I didn't even consider it as a possibility. Of course you should join us - Rubani can tell you our company's rules, if you're interested."
Amenon bows to Rubani as well, obviously taking his words to heart. ”I promise to follow orders and if required retreat. I have done my share of running. There is no shame in that. Also, I must thank you for being here, if what you say is true. That you have come here to protect the sanctity of the dead. Perhaps you do not follow the old Gods, but you do their will, weather you know it or not.”
The cleric's dusky cheeks reddened.
"I-I didn't mean it like that... Don't expect anyone in this group to give you orders. Suggestions, warnings and admonishments, yes. Some may even be so bold as to use their stentorian voice... But never orders. No one member holds power over any other in this group. That's not how we do things."
Rubani didn't say this for Amenon's sake alone, but also for himself. He wanted to be fair, but he also needed to remind himself that he was not responsible for these people. At least not in any personal capacity. It was bad enough that he felt guilt through religious association for every single fresh death caused and ancient death disturbed in the lottery.
"And thank you. I'm sorry to say that I am not overly familiar with the old gods, although I have long admired the Ancient Osirion they helped create."
He added with a smirk: "And I suspect that my Lady of Graves is not entirely dissatisfied with your own work. I pray that we continue to serve each others deities for years to come."
THE NEXT DAY
The day started very poorly indeed as Akhmose Stoneguard declared that he needed to depart the group on sudden and urgent clan business. Rubani had grown fond of the paladin and wished him all the best, even as he silently cursed the circumstances that took the dwarf away from them. After making sure that Naomi was comfortable he set out with the rest of the party for their next site: the house of Pentheru. They didn't make it far, however, before they were distracted by the raucous discussion between a dwarf and some guards.
"Of course you should join us - Rubani can tell you our company's rules, if you're interested."
Rubani blinked. This was all happening a bit too fast for him.
"O-of course," he said, then cleared his throat and offered Rurdem his hand. "Rubani Madu, cleric, Pharasmin." He would have offered him sympathy for the lost team members too, but the dwarf didn't appear particularly bothered by their deaths.
"Our group is named the Grave Guard and our rules are... well, paradoxical it may seem, but we strive to be ethical tomb robbers. We try to be as non-intrusive as possible in our looting. Both the interred and their crypts are given proper deference, in accordance with the lottery rules as stated. We do this out of either respect for the history of our nation or reverence for the dead; both, at the best of times."
"That being said we know when the kid gloves have to come off. The safety of the party always comes first. If the corpse we are trying to steer clear off comes to us looking for a light snack we put it down. ...That's really what you need to know. If you can practice some consideration for your team members and some respect for your surroundings, Mr Wyrmborn, then I am not opposed to you joining."
Rubani remembered Azghaad's comment from last night. Stray cats indeed.
I think we'll use Wound Threshold and Scalable Items
Turn 050 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Rubani looked over the House of Pentheru. So not an underground crypt, but a private estate this time? This didn't make the impending looting any more palatable to the cleric. Taking from old crypts was bad enough. But this was a private home that doubled as someone's grave. This just added an extra notion of burglary to the priest's tomb robbing. He sighed and let his shoulders slump. Best to just get this over with.
The cleric ran his fingers along the faded hieroglyphics, wishing that he could read them. Fortunately Azghaad and Shalina offered translations of the ancient language into its modern counterpart.
"Pentheru the Elder and Younger? Father and son then? This was a family home."
This information intrigued the half-elf. He was interested in knowing how the ancient osirians lived their daily lives. This site offered none of the artifice and pomp of an actual crypt; there was only so much one could learn from such places. This, on the other hand, was just a domestic home, one preserved for a thousand years. It was a perfect window into the everyday and ordinary of Ancient Osirion.
Rubani tentatively slipped through the ancient bronze gates without disturbing them further. Judging by them the Grave Guard was not the first group to explore this site. He didn't want to tamper with the place anymore than necessary, and as such moved carefully once within the enclosure.
He decided to check the premises before entering the house proper. One could never be too careful, as they had learned, and perhaps there was some alternate entrance into the building, whether by design, dilapidation or through the effort of some hypothetical previous tomb raiders.
I don't know of any links yet but, let’s start slow, with Wound Thresholds. The house rule would adjust your performance (d20 roll) depending on how wounded you are as follows:
100% of hitpoints: Healthy and 75 to 100% hitpoints: light wounds: no change;
50 to 75% hitpoints: medium wounds: -1 to all d20 rolls;
25 to 50% hitpoints: serious wounds: -2 to all d20 rolls; and
0 to 25% hitpoints: critical wounds: -3 to all d20 rolls.
Nice and simple. I’ll add the other systems at a later date.
Thoughts?
Action 1
With Azghzaad's sudden apology, Rurdem found himself somewhat annoyed, I see how this one works, if ya don' cast spells ya arn' worth as much in his eyes. He gave the man a look of slight disdain as he said, "Aye dunna see how my magic or lack there of matters but yer righ' those like me are very rare among mah kin'. Hell, tha only reason I have i' is cause me great-great-great granddam was a copper wyrm, runs in mah family, every firstborn male."
Rurdem nodded an acknowledgement at the rules and replied, "Aye, aye kin live with that, I canna grant instan' respect, tha's gotta be earned, but I think ya will manage tha' jus' fine. As fer the res' I wouldna' have i' any other way."
Action 2
Shalina studied the impressive yet dilapidated bronze doors looking for how they may have been broken open. Soon her eyes were drawn to the wall surrounding the property. It looked a lot like some of the walls and buildings she would climb about when she was younger. ”I think I could walk the wall to get a better vantage point. I could alert you to any potential dangers lurking in the yard. Then I will check the house’s door to see if it is locked or poses a danger to open. Someone want to give me a boost?”
Tag everyone
Rurdem gives her a look and then the wall and says, "Well lass, aye'm not sure how high I can get ya, bu' aye'll give ya a hand up." Rurdem kneels down and holds his hands cupped for her to step in then , once she is there says, "Now, step onta me shoulders and we'll see if it's enough for ya."
Once Shalina's firmly standong on his shoulders Rurdem grabs her ankles to help steady her and then slowly stands up so she can hopefully see what she wishes to. "Now 'ow's tha' lass?"
RE: Wound thresholds. Feel free to ignore this, but you probably want to put a penalty for spells in there as well. Arguably concentration does it. I'd suggest decreasing DC. Most spells either have a hit roll, a save, or are harmless. I'd prefer not to be in a situation where Rubani is unable to cast Cure Light Wounds when we're injured.
RE: Scaling items. My understanding is that these are handed out by STs, and just 'use up' a percentage of WBL. As Azghaad has the feats to upgrade items anyway, might not be worth giving it to him... unless there's a scaling construct...
With Azghzaad's sudden apology, Rurdem found himself somewhat annoyed, I see how this one works, if ya don' cast spells ya arn' worth as much in his eyes. He gave the man a look of slight disdain as he said, "Aye dunna see how my magic or lack there of matters but yer righ' those like me are very rare among mah kin'. Hell, tha only reason I have i' is cause me great-great-great granddam was a copper wyrm, runs in mah family, every firstborn male."
Azghaad forced a smile at the nameless stranger. Damn. Naturally Gifted, just given power and they don't even appreciate it. "Well, sir, as a priest of Nethys it matters a great deal to me. Your draconic forebear has granted you not just power, but the ability to manipulate the universe, and the opportunity to unlock its secrets."
Amenon watches carefully as the Rurdem gives Shalina a boost to check for ancient traps and long-gone security devices. He personally doubted anything lasted this long be he held his peace, staring at the house intently. My first entrance into the sacred remains... His thoughts crackled with energy and nervousness. He said a silent and quick prayer to the old Gods for protection and luck.
He relaxed and tightened his muscles, his old way of limbering himself without anyone noticing. He knew he'd need to be on top form today. He'd have to prove he could pull his own weight (and more) once they got inside. Who knew what terrors might eb contained where the blazing power of Ra did not shine?
”Once you see if it is safe, let me go first Shalina. I'd be happy to...deal with anything that still stirs in this ancient place. Amenon ominously cracks a knuckle, the sound loud in the deserted silence.
Once Shalina's firmly standong on his shoulders Rurdem grabs her ankles to help steady her and then slowly stands up so she can hopefully see what she wishes to. "Now 'ow's tha' lass?"
It was a little awkward standing on Rurdem being that they had just met but it definitely provided her with the additional height that she needed in order to pull herself up on to the 10 foot wall. "This is perfect. Thank you, Rurdem." It was a little wider than her foot and she was fairly confident that she would be able to walk along the top and make sure that there were no surprises waiting for them in the courtyard - or courtyards as it turned out to be since they were separated by internal gates. She moved to the left along the wall and mentioned the two structures to the others. Moving to the right, she again called down to the others what she saw – a smaller structure and what looked like what may be a well.
”Once you see if it is safe, let me go first Shalina. I'd be happy to...deal with anything that still stirs in this ancient place. Amenon ominously cracks a knuckle, the sound loud in the deserted silence.
Shalina smiled down at Amenon from atop the wall. "That sounds quite agreeable to me."
Azghaad smiled as they approached the new site. This lottery might bother his friends, but it suits me well. Each new site is a prize, to be explored for knowledge. In good spirits he luxuriated in the warm light of the sun on his face. All too soon it will be time to go into the dark. He frowned a little, as he placed the memory - one of the last words his Sarenraean companion had said.
More soberly now, Azghaad pulled out a piece of chalk and a slate with etched lines. Carefully he started to pace out the exterior dimensions of the walls, and when Shalina started to call out additional information he hurried to mark them down as well. Skimp on study, fail the final he reminded himself as he fought his urge to push forward. "I don't suppose you have the gift of the third eye?" he called plaintively "I would be fascinated to know if you can detect any auras from up there."
As soon as he noticed Rubani had slipped through the gate he followed. "Careful! Remember, better to investigate first than..." Azghaad trailed off. Rubani is just as keen as I am to go in, but he didn't blunder at "The mill." he added weakly, and to himself.
I just returned from a weekend long unexpected trip; I'll catch up in the next day or two.
Game on!
"I don't suppose you have the gift of the third eye?" he called plaintively "I would be fascinated to know if you can detect any auras from up there."
Shalina mentally kicked herself for not thinking of looking for magical auras herself - trust Azghaad to remind her. "I will let you know shortly." She had been busy keeping her focus on not falling off the wall; however, when she got to the corner of the wall she began to hum to herself in order to channel her ability to detect magic.
As soon as he noticed Rubani had slipped through the gate he followed. "Careful! Remember, better to investigate first than..." Azghaad trailed off. Rubani is just as keen as I am to go in, but he didn't blunder at "The mill." he added weakly, and to himself.
Rubani looked back to reassure the wizard at his heels.
"I have handled exactly 26 newborns to date, Mr Glyphstele," he smirked. "My hands have had protectiveness and apprehensiveness carved into them. This house shall see no further..."
The cleric stopped, pointed ears perked, as he just barely caught Azghaad's last hushed utterance: 'the mill'. The what now?
The half-elf turned, fully this time, to face his companion. Unease marred his features, both at his thoughts and whether or not he should even broach the subject; did Azghaad blame himself for what happened at the mill? The notion worried the cleric. He had seen more than enough funerals to know what self-condemnation did to a person. More often than not he or she followed the deceased into the grave, if not in body then in spirit. His own teacher had referred to them as the mock-undead, husks unable to live their own lives because their every thought was weighed down by another's death. Nothing sucked the enjoyment out of life like knowing that someone close would never enjoy anything again.
"Mr Glyphstele," Rubani started hesitatingly. "Forgive me for prying, but the incident at the mill... You don't feel responsible, do you? Because carrying your companions' deaths on your shoulder serves no one; not you; certainly not them."
An unbidden thought came to the cleric as he spoke. Oh gods, what if he was responsible? We gathered that it was a flour explosion resulting from an open flame, but we never learned whose flame, he wondered as he eyed the professed fire wizard. OH GODS, is that why he was drinking so heavily last night? Oh no. Oh, I should never have said anything.
Azghaad drew himself up momentarily, then sagged.
"I suppose I do. If they'd waited. If I'd just worked it out sooner... We would have been warned. We could have taken precautions. It just looked like dust, you see. And the fire..."
He paused and stared off into the distance, a troubled look on his face.
"I think we should have a new rule. No Alchemist's fire. It's just too dangerous. Anything happens to shatter a vial, and.. and it just explodes into flame. I didn't say anything before, when I was new, and they've been helpful, I suppose... but all it would take is someone falling down a staircase... Or another fireball, setting off his vials like some chain reaction."
"No, I feel strongly about this. No more. I'll pay people for any they've got, and we can detonate them safely outside."
Rubani felt a great sense of relief. A vial of alchemist's fire set off the dust explosion; it couldn't have been Azghaad then. He had no need for the stuff. The cleric had seen the man in action; one could easily be fooled into thinking the wizard had the oil running through his veins.
"That's a great deal of 'ifs' and 'coulds', Mr Glyphstele... People far greater than the two of us have wondered at the infinite possibilities of life; about what could have been. All have been left dumbfounded. We cannot prepare for every eventuality. 'Could have waited, could have worked it out, could have been warned, could have take precautions'... Down that road lies madness, my friend. The man who fears the outcome of his every action will never take another step forward. You did everything you could then, as I am sure you do now. The difference being that you are smarter now. Have faith in yourself. We do."
The half-elf finished his spiel hoping that the wizard's remorse wasn't too serious. Rubani was not ready to diagnose him with survivor's guilt just yet.
"But this new rule of yours... No," he said flatly.
"Disregarding the fact that I don't believe either of us can control what Miss Sekh-at chooses to employ in battle, this is exactly the sort of fear-driven, controlling behavior that I spoke of. The vials are just a tool, Mr Glyphstele. A dangerous tool, to be sure. But one that I trust my companions to handle. I trust Miss Sekh-at's aim and good sense, and should that fail then I trust your experience to tell us where such vials should and should not be thrown, and should that fail then I trust my Lady's gifts to douse the flames and heal the burns."
"Trust yourself, Mr Glyphstele. Your experiences at the mill; they would break some. The death of companions can do that. But that experience can also be another asset to your already considerable intellect. Taking away one of our tools does not sound like that."
Azghaad paused at Rubani's words "I take your point. 'The mind should rule the heart'." he quoted, then reached down and pulled his robe up to his knee. His right leg was a mass of long-healed burn scars. "But do not underestimate how dangerous they are. [i]'Fire is everyone's ally, and no-one's friend'[i]" he finishes, quoting once more.
Amenon mostly stays out of the conversation, not knowing the context but he does break in now, saying"Just don't expect me to start flinging oily fire around. It can be useful, but it turns bad quick. But let's not borrow trouble...".
Amenon takes point as they explore the abandoned villa. He enjoys the sun, knowing they will soon be descending into the chilly earth when ra does not follow...
RE: Wound thresholds. Feel free to ignore this, but you probably want to put a penalty for spells in there as well. Arguably concentration does it. I'd suggest decreasing DC. Most spells either have a hit roll, a save, or are harmless. I'd prefer not to be in a situation where Rubani is unable to cast Cure Light Wounds when we're injured.
The penalties are on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC and caster level.
However, you won't lose any prepared spells or spell slots. Whatever variables are associated with caster level will be adjusted.
Don't forget that this also will affect enemies as well.
We'll try it out and see how it works.
Working on the turn recap now.
Game on!
Turn 051 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
The howling of a savage mob broke the almost solemn silence of the shattered estate. The old tounge... Amenon thought and for a moment his heart rejoiced at hearing it. So many spoke Common these days...
Then he recognized the hate and anger embedded in the voice. Even in this creepy setting, it took more then an angry mob to make Amenon Rehment, full under the burning sun, with strength in his shoulders, to turn aside. But his new friends may not be so stout.
He looks around, tensing his muscles and narrowing his eyes in the glare.
As soon as the gates began to rattle, Shalina had had enough. Fear surged through her body igniting adrenaline and the desire to flee. All she could think of was getting home and away from the mob that threatened her safety. Not knowing what was through any of the other doors, she took off towards the direction she had just come from and was determined not to be stopped.
Rurdem feels a wave of fear wash over him but quickly shakes it off, "Is tha' the bes' ya kin do ya freakin' sppok! Aye've faced worse than tha'." Seeing that Shalina is starting to flee he reaches out to grip her arm and stop her flight, "Hold on Lass, aye'm righ' here an' I won' le' the spook harm ya, even if i' could."
Shalina shook her head. "I have to go. This is not right. They are coming." She wriggled and twisted her wrist in order to escape.
Azghaad started at the noise. His hand dropped to his component pouch, and his eyes closed - looking on letters writ in fire seemingly engraved in his mind. A second later the nature of the words penetrated, and he paused.
Still nervous that something might be using this distraction to attack, Azghaad scanned the nearby gates carefully, ready to blast anyone if necessary.
Rubani's lean frame stiffened and his eyes opened wide in fear. As the woman's voice cut through the courtyard the half-elf recognized her speech as that of the Osirion that was, although he could not understand her message. Except somehow he could. He knew that it was a warning. He could not say how he knew this, but somehow he knew that something unspeakably horrible was about to happen. That something revealed itself as a hysterical mob, so agitated they were ready to flatten the entire house in their search. And the cleric's stomach constricted in fear as he realized that he was what they were searching for.
With a scream caught somewhere in his throat Rubani bolted.
I need to write it up but let's say this happened:
Shalina tries to flee, is grappled by Rurdem but she breaks free and escapes outside. Just so we don't chase her all over the Necropolis, let's say that she stays outside but will need convincing to get back in.
Rubani is tackled by Amenon. He'll also need convincing that it's safe.
Feel free to embellish these actions.
@Azghaad: this is a 'haunt'; it won't trigger again until the next day unless permanently disabled.
Questions?
Game on!
Amenon, like a desert hunting cat, is already moving when Rubani bolts for the door. It is like a mountain falling on a man. The huge bloodrager easily pins the fleeing cleric. Holding in his anger, Amenon grabs the half-elf's shoulders and roars, "Pull yourself together, there is no real danger here. Master yourself! Never leave anyone behind, remember?". He also shakes the cleric a bit to make the message sink in, but not too roughly.
Azghaad looked around furiously, hand raised to strike. Though his knowledge of Haunts was limited, he remembered certain things.
"It's a haunt! Doesn't affect undead! There may be ghouls waiting for us to split up! Stay together!"
Once Shalina was free of the hand trying to stop her, she bolted through the bronze gates and out into the necropolis. She looked up and down the street for a place to hide. Spotting a pile of crates nearby, she ran over and ducked inside one. She peered out from between the slats and waited.
Seeing the woman slip his grasp and run from him Rurdem calls after her, "Shalina, wai' you don' know wha' migh' be ou' there waitin' ta eat ya." When she keeps running from him Rurdem tells the others, "Aye'll bring 'er back." He chases after Shalina as fast as he can, not making any headway until she leaves the compound and stops. Approaching her cautiously in case something's possessed her Rurdem asks her, "Wha's got inta ya lass, there's nothin' there. Azghaad..ya know, tha's a strange name innit? Sounds like someone sneezed it does. Anyway, 'e said undead woudna be affected by tha haunt. We need ta ge' back ta the others an' quickly too."
This was it. Even as blind panic filled his mind the cleric still had just enough sense left to recognize that this was certainly the end for him. The mob had caught up to him, jumped over and crashed onto him like a tidal wave; he was pinned to the dusty ground underneath them. Their screams were all he could hear. Indeed, it was the last thing he would ever hear.
It was odd then to hear the crowd speak with a singular deep voice.
"Pull yourself together, there is no real danger here. Master yourself! Never leave anyone behind, remember?".
Rubani slowly realized that there was only a single man holding onto him, although, to be fair, the man in question was broad enough to account for three. The tanned face of the bloodrager gradually came into focus for the half-elf; he then immediately lost all focus as Amenon shook the significantly scrawnier man strongly.
"A-Amen... Mr Rehment? W-what is... Where are they?"
The cleric blinked and looked around him. The group was agitated to say the least, but there was no violent horde, no screaming ancient Osirians. He couldn't understand what just happened. He was about to ask the others for an explanation when Azghaad spoke.
A haunt? The cleric turned towards the house. No... It holds restless spirits? After all this time? Was it a past event we saw then?
Amenon grinned as he saw Rubani come back to his sense. He hadn't met a man yet who could ignore his roaring, not even the most drunk man in Bargetown had been able to ignore him.
He let the cleric go, and helped him to his feet."Feeling better? Good, because odds are there are real enough dangers that lie below. Besides, I should go get Shalina. Stay here with Azghaad, and calm yourself."
Amenon moves quickly though the ruined are coming up besides Rurdem."Have you managed to convince her to come inside? If not, I can go fetch her and try yelling some sense into her.". Then he raises his voice.
"Shalina, come back. It was a magical trap, not a real danger. We must stick together!"