They are? Awesome :) I saw the description and thought you must just have rolled awesome on the damage!
Still, I stand by the new actions.
OOC: Whoops. Sorry 'bout my last post then. As written I thought these things were fire resistant.
OOC: Whoops. Sorry 'bout my last post then. As written I thought these things were fire resistant.
Perceptions are all over the place in the heat of battle. :)
Turn 019 is up!
ROUND 3
, hit
, hit, critical?
, no
Naomi is down
, miss
, miss
, hit
, hit
Shalina rope trick to entangle doll 2
, entangled
Rubami heals naomi
Akhmose misses
Azghaad distract doll 2, +2 AC on naomi,
dolls 2 and 3 'die' burned
Round 4
, hit
, miss
Rubani aids naomi
naomi kills it
Akhmose sighed with relief as the fight ended. He lay a healing hand on Naomi and let the divine power flow into her, knitting together her wounds, before doing the same to himself. He looked around at the remains of the little warriors, being careful not to touch them, concentrating to detect any traces of evil forces before turning to his comrades. "Can any of you identify what animated these figures? I wonder if they were meant to be guardians, or if some curse has brought them to life."
The dwarf turned his attention to the weapons. "A legendary warrior must have had some powerful weapons. I wonder what these do?" He hefted the khopesh, feeling its balance before handing it to the wizard.
Naomi stood for a moment, drawing in deep rasping breaths. She looked down at her bloodied robes and snarled, "Nasty little things. These were some of my favorite robes. I'd better wear the out-of-fashion ones next time we come down." She nodded to Akhmose after he provided another round of healing. "Thanks Akhmose. Without you and Rubani, I'd be laying down in those splinters. I can tell you if any of those are magical, but I'm sure Azghaad has a better sense of what they might do."
All too familiar with scorched and smoking furniture, Azghaad emptied his water across the scorched board the very moment the dolls were dispatched. Completely focussed on the board he watched carefully to ensure no more miniatures were moving, growing or smoking.
"Can any of you identify what animated these figures? I wonder if they were meant to be guardians, or if some curse has brought them to life."
"I can try Akhmose." Azghaad agreed dispiritedly while opening his seventh sense "Now they've been disassembled, though, that will be significantly more difficult."
"A legendary warrior must have had some powerful weapons. I wonder what these do?" He hefted the khopesh, feeling its balance before handing it to the wizard.
Still deep in study of the miniatures, Azghaad was distracted when Akhmose brought the weapon closer
"Aah! Don't just keep touching things!" he screeched, then caught himself and apologised"I'm sorry Akhmose, you caught me by surprise. Don't touch these things till we've investigated them."
Honestly Azghaad, the man isn't some provincial prosaic. Explain your reasoning, don't just issue orders. he remonstrated himself
"I noted that the figures animated when one was moved. I believe that might have been the trigger. If such a mechanism was used as a trigger once, then quite possibly it will be again. If these were constructed for this tomb, then doubtless the manufacturer used the same techniques on other items."
These were some of my favorite robes. I'd better wear the out-of-fashion ones next time we come down."
Azghaad flashed a smile at Naomi
"I'll put you in touch with my tailor, if you like" he grinned and, unable to resist the urge to show off, flashed his clothes into Pharasmin robes before returning them to their conventional appearance.
OOC info: Describe as your PCs find them. I 'XXX' their worth until somebody appraises them.
Most o f the arms and armor on the racks are mundane items, but Akhentepi's khopesh and spear are both masterwork weapons. The composite shortbow is still serviceable, but its string has deteriorated, and must be replaced before the weapon can be used. The scarab shaped steel shield is a magic scarab shield (I'll send this info later tonight because I can't get the pdf to copy correctly).
The chests are of good craftsmanship but less ornate than the one found previosuly. None of the chests are locked or trapped, but each has been sealed with wax. They contain a sack with a 100 gp and 42 sp, and several scroll tubes holding papyrus records, private memos, expense ledgers, speeches, and private correspondence. Among the papers are discussions regarding the unfinished tomb of Akhentepi's mistress. There is little else of interest in the papers, but to a collector or Osirionologist, these documents are worth XXX gp total if undamaged.
The clay urn is also sealed with wax and contains nard, an expensive, oily perfume, worth XXX gp.
The room lit up as the cleric's holy symbol opened the gates to the positive energy plane in a golden flash. It was gone in a second, but the beaten and bloodied bodies of Akhmose and Naomi felt an immediate difference.
Rubani then harrumphed. "Harrumph." It wasn't his custom to harrumph.
"I can appreciate a tomb that protects its occupants," he said, eying the murderous dolls. "But a tomb that tries to add to its occupants? A line has to be drawn."
The half-elf's somewhat surly mood brightened quickly though as he wandered around the room, taking in all the antiquities littering the room. Even the more mundane items fascinated him, time capsules of Osirion's glorious history as they were. He stopped at the shield from the Mwangi Expanse for a bit longer than he cared to admit, however. Sometimes he wondered if his interest in Ancient Osirion was as much a result of his patriotism as his dejection of the Mwangi Expanse. What with his loving father being a native Osirian and his distant mother being a Mwangi elf it was an interesting thought. Cup A being empty led to cup B overfilling.
Rubani physically shook the thought away. We are all our own worst psychoanalysts. He instead decided to focus on what items here the party could loot without overburdening his poor conscience.
Looking over the weapons, shields, documents and containers the cleric wracked his brain trying to remember if he had seen anything even vaguely similar in markets visited during his travels.
I think Appraise is like any other knowledge skill. You either know it or you don't and looking at something for 1 minute or 20 isn't going to change that.
I think this campaign lends itself to 'secret appraise' checks (I'll note your 'appraised' value of loot in the loot list at the end of the turn recaps) so you can then not be sure of an item's true worth. Maybe Shalina's uncle can help or he can rob you blind; we'll see. :)
Its a GM call. There are no guidelines on Appraise and taking 20 like there are with the Knowledge skills.
I would say you can definitely Take 10.
However, take 20 reads (emphasis added):
Taking 20: When you have plenty of time, you are faced with no threats or distractions, and the skill being attempted carries no penalties for failure, you can take 20. In other words, if you roll a d20 enough times, eventually you will get a 20. Instead of rolling 1d20 for the skill check, just calculate your result as if you had rolled a 20.
I think a GM could certainly rule that there is a penalty for failure with an Appraise check.
I think a GM could certainly rule that there is a penalty for failure with an Appraise check.
Ya got a point there. Didn't really consider the ramifications of Rubani being utterly convinced that this one document page is super valuable u guys. no im super srs u guys. Im not crazy U R CRAZY.
Either way, I'm not too bothered.
I think a GM could certainly rule that there is a penalty for failure with an Appraise check.Ya got a point there. Didn't really consider the ramifications of Rubani being utterly convinced that this one document page is super valuable u guys. no im super srs u guys. Im not crazy U R CRAZY.
Either way, I'm not too bothered.
If I ever do anything like that is for roleplaying opportunities so it's all good. :)
Akhmose apologized to Aghzaad, You are right, we should be careful. I avoided touching the figurines but I didn't consider that these other objects might be triggers." He gave the shield a close inspection. "This scarab shield is certainly of fine quality, I wonder if it is enchanted." He thinks for a moment, his dwarven appreciation for treasure warring with his sacred duties. "Were you given instructions concerning the tomb contents? My ancestors served the Pharaohs as guardians. I don't believe I should take these items. But if we leave them, they may be taken by others."
You may still be against it but, in a nutshell, here's what the Pharasmin are saying.
The 'boss' opened up the tombs.
We don't like it.
But better us who will treat the tombs with respect than to have a whole bunch of people just sacking.
We will acquire as many items as possible and then show them to the world to honor those buried.
Below is the LONG answer (sorry for the formatting):
THE POLITICS OF TOMB l\OBBING PCs who worship Pharasma may question why the godd ess's Osirian churches and te mples have chosen to aid and ab et what is essentia lly grave robbery on a national scale. The simple answer is they have not been gi ven much choice, and th ey're not happy about it. Osirian tradition di ctates that the material trappings of a to mb help to correctly identify a depa rted soul's station to Pharasma at the time of its judgme nt. This belief may not be metaphysically accu ra te, but it is nevert hel ess deeply ingrained in Osirian culture. Yet, from an ecclesiastical perspective, once a soul has been judge d, its possessions from its former li fe play no ro le in wh atever afterlife Pharasma assigns to it. In the eyes of the Ruby Prince, the anc ient Osirian dead have already been judged and no longer re quire their grave goods. In the eyes of the church, however, this "l icensed tomb ra iding" sets a dangerous precedent and puts Pharasm a's divine judgment on a mortal timeta ble. Wisely deducing that the church of Pharasma was unlikely to directly defy him, Khemet Ill's response was to gi ve the church a choice-it co uld either cooperate with the roya l decree in exchange for lim ited author ity over how the tombs are explored, or be overruled and have no say in the matter. Making the best of an untenable situation, the Pharasm ins accept the pha raoh's offer to let them oversee the opening of the tombs and im pose rules and gui deli nes upon explorers for the sake of propri ety.
As a res ul t, the Grand Mausoleum does not forbid PC worshi pers of Pharasma from exp loring the necropol is, but the priests do re mind them that the godd ess may hold them to a higher sta ndard should they viol ate the rul es, or witness such misdeeds and fa il to act. Should a PC cleric or worshi per actually be a native of Wati, the local tem ple places her on adju nct status within the church to avoid any app earance of favo ritism in the lotte ry.
Akhmose apologized to Aghzaad, You are right, we should be careful. I avoided touching the figurines but I didn't consider that these other objects might be triggers."
Um...
The detail on the figurines was astonishing and even put the master masons from
Akhmose’s village to shame. The dwarf picked a statuette up and could even see the strands of
hair on the tiny head.
If we all do a seperate appraise roll we'd be unlikely to all roll terribly on most items, but could fail on a difficult one.
If we work together (using Aid Another) there's still an exciting chance we'd get stuff wrong, but the average roll would be ginormous.
My vote is on 'all seperate', but I could go either way.
Akhmose apologized to Aghzaad, You are right, we should be careful. I avoided touching the figurines but I didn't consider that these other objects might be triggers."Um...
The detail on the figurines was astonishing and even put the master masons from
Akhmose’s village to shame. The dwarf picked a statuette up and could even see the strands of
hair on the tiny head.
This where it gets interesting. Akhmose's player forgot about because I wrote it but we can assume that either Akhmose the character forgot (heat of battle and all that) or he's lying. Either way, just go with it. :)
Akhmose apologized to Aghzaad, You are right, we should be careful. I avoided touching the figurines but I didn't consider that these other objects might be triggers."Um...
The detail on the figurines was astonishing and even put the master masons from
Akhmose’s village to shame. The dwarf picked a statuette up and could even see the strands of
hair on the tiny head.This where it gets interesting. Akhmose's player forgot about because I wrote it but we can assume that either Akhmose the character forgot (heat of battle and all that) or he's lying. Either way, just go with it. :)
And that's another possibility. :)
I'm Ok either way. Should you miss on some of the goodies, we would figure out a way to compensate you so don't worry, just roleplay it out.
Game on!
Guys, something I failed to ask is what you will do next (i'll need that for the next turn recap). Whether to continue the exploration or head back out with loot. Let's say it's about noon time.
Game on!
Ref: The whip snaked out and wrapped itself around the small doll, effectively putting it out of the fight. But it kept on burning and soon lost whatever was animating it, gone in smoke along with the doll next to it. Nothing but ashes were left on the floor.
ic: Before the doll completely disintegrated, Shalina dug in the depths of her knowledge to try to figure out what may have brought them to life.
ref: "Can any of you identify what animated these figures? I wonder if they were meant to be guardians, or if some curse has brought them to life."
ic: “Azghaad may be the most qualified to figure that out but I will see what I can do as well.” Shalina moved closer to the diorama and began humming to herself to see if there was any magic still in play upon the figurines.
ref: Akhmose apologized to Aghzaad, You are right, we should be careful. I avoided touching the figurines but I didn't consider that these other objects might be triggers." He gave the shield a close inspection. "This scarab shield is certainly of fine quality, I wonder if it is enchanted."
ic: Shalina continued to hum to herself as she walked around the room to see if anything showed itself to have a magical essence. The shield revealed itself as being magical and Shalina shared that with the group. “As to what kind of magic, someone would need to spend some time identifying it.”
She resumed her exploration with the chests and gave the all clear of traps so that the others could help open them if they wanted. The one that the archaeologist chose to open contained some coin but what was more exciting were the love letters written between Akhentepi and his mistress. The letters were together with discussions about an unfinished tomb for the same mistress. Finally Akhentepi had shown himself to be quite human. Some of the others also found other papers within their chests and Shalina knew that some of her uncle’s patrons would pay handsomely for such documentation.
Once the chests were explored, Shalina turned her attention to the urn. Upon opening the seal, a pleasant smell wafted into the room and she recognized the scent immediately. “That urn contains nard which can be quite expensive. I knew of a woman who spent an entire year’s salary on a jar of nard which was smaller than this. Granted she may not have made much in a year but it was still a lot of money.”
Ref: He thinks for a moment, his dwarven appreciation for treasure warring with his sacred duties. "Were you given instructions concerning the tomb contents? My ancestors served the Pharaohs as guardians. I don't believe I should take these items. But if we leave them, they may be taken by others."
ic: Shalina laughed at Akhmose’s last comment. “There is no may about it. If we do not take these items and protect them, they will be taken by others. At least if they are in our possession then we can make sure that they can be appreciated by those who care about the history and not just the money. Although the money would be nice,” she added with a wink.
tag anyone or no one :)
Shalina
Azghaad will look for a time when he and Shalina are a little more isolated: okay if this rcap is a bad place to do it.
”Shalina… my apologies if I’ve been a little overbearing. I hadn’t realise you were Gifted, and I am afraid I may have treated you as simply an educated prosaic. I should have realised someone of your drive and intellect was one of us.”
ic: “Azghaad may be the most qualified to figure that out but I will see what I can do as well.” Shalina moved closer to the diorama and began humming to herself to see if there was any magic still in play upon the figurines. detect magic and spellcraft
Azghaad beams at the praise
”Very kind of you to say, Shalina. In fact, while my temple traditionally deals with ethereal abjurations, I myself have always been intrigued by the ancient animation techniques. I am planning to further my education, but have some grounding. Sadly that craft, Animation, is one of the most expensive of the arcane arts to study.”ref: Akhmose apologized to Aghzaad, You are right, we should be careful. I avoided touching the figurines but I didn't consider that these other objects might be triggers." He gave the shield a close inspection. "This scarab shield is certainly of fine quality, I wonder if it is enchanted."ic: Shalina continued to hum to herself as she walked around the room to see if anything showed itself to have a magical essence. The shield revealed itself as being magical and Shalina shared that with the group. “As to what kind of magic, someone would need to spend some time identifying it.”
”I am happy to study it here, if you like, or when we head back. It is all a matter of time. I do want to make certain we leave enough time to return in daylight.”
”I do worry that if we leave the tomb open, as it is now, someone else might come down. When we are certain we have explored thoroughly, I think we should try to seal it up again. We should probably allow some time for that, and for carefully transporting the items up the shaft.”
”Naomi, Rubani. You are Pharasmin, so you’ve doubtless seen more tombs than any of us. How much more do you think there is?”
"Akhnose, Shalina; Perhaps we three could look for a way to carry these goods up? I think the chests would be helpful..."
”Sorry to harp on, but I would like to read the notes before we sell them.”
Rubani's musings were interrupted by the paladin voicing his apprehension concerning their situation.
"This scarab shield is certainly of fine quality, I wonder if it is enchanted." He then lapsed into a moment of quiet, his brow furrowing in rumination. "Were you given instructions concerning the tomb contents? My ancestors served the Pharaohs as guardians. I don't believe I should take these items. But if we leave them, they may be taken by others."
The cleric turned towards him, a look of absolute astonishment on his face that soon melted away into delight.
"My dear dear friend," he smiled. "Within the last 24 hours I have found myself in open opposition with my own church for the first time, my sect has sponsored the looting of these hallowed halls for every cutthroat from Absalom to Zelshabbar, and worst of all, I find myself in on it."
"It would be a grotesque effort to try to rank the infinity-old teachings our Lady has passed onto us, but if one were to try, then 'honor the dead' would be quite near the top. Do you know what edict would be just above that one? 'Don't be a grave robber, you tosser.' And yet here I am, Pharasmin priest turned grave robber, because I find that there is no other route available to me. I am a cleric of the people; I will not see the innocent harmed in these graves," he continued, glancing over at Azghaad.
"I am also a Pharasmin; I will not allow the same innocents desecrate said graves. And as a Pharasmin cleric in particular... well, as such I feel very strongly about this. And so here I am, contemplating what I can and cannot allow my partners in crime to loot without me losing the favor of my divine patron, at best, or damning my eternal soul, at worst."
Rubani let out a bemused little laugh, and looked back at Akhmose with clear admiration.
"My world has turned madder than a goblin's knickers and the only thing keeping me grounded is the ulcer I feel steadily growing in my stomach out of sheer worry. Worry over how far I can let this circus go and to what degree I can deny my compatriots the fruits of their labor. What relics can I in good conscience allow to be looted, and more importantly, what right have I to decide this?"
"All of this adds up to me wondering how I'm even going to face my Lady when comes my turn on the Spire, and then... ha ha... and then you tell me want nothing?"
At this point the cleric could not continue and had to stop as he erupted into laughter. He laughed so hard he had to wipe his eyes.
"Ha ha! Pharasma bless your luxurious beard, you giant, you! She must have sent you here herself to lighten my burden. You are a credit to all paladins, my friend, and I know that shouldn't be said lightly. Pheeew!"
He took a few seconds to compose himself before adding:
"What I'm saying is this: yes, please take the shield. If I can live with it, you can live with it. Miss Sekh-at is quite right. Better us than anyone else. Hell, better you than anyone else."
A party that doesn't want to rob priceless historical artifacts. We are the worst adventurers ever.
You are not; you're all excellent roleplayers.
OK, so I'll keep you exploring for a while longer.
Please tell me what you will do with the gear, carry it with you (who?) or leave it somewhere (where?).
I'll recap tomorrow probably.
Game on!
Akhmose considers the words of Rubani and Shalina. "You honor me too much. But thank you. My lifelong quest has been to regain my family's honor. And it is ironic that I would do it by robbing these items. But given the dangers we've already faced, I fear we may need the use of some of these treasures to succeed in the task we've been assigned. Perhaps it would not hurt if I borrowed these items for a while." The dwarf tries out the scarab shield and khopesh before gesturing around the room. "I do hope we can sell some of these items to a museum, where they can be appreciated properly. I have heard tales of tearing ancient scrolls into fragments to be sold to tourists."
"If we would leave by day's end, we should try to finish exploring this tomb."
Once the chests were explored, Shalina turned her attention to the urn. Upon opening the seal, a pleasant smell wafted into the room and she recognized the scent immediately. “That urn contains nard which can be quite expensive. I knew of a woman who spent an entire year’s salary on a jar of nard which was smaller than this. Granted she may not have made much in a year but it was still a lot of money.”
Akhmose replied, "That must have been a very special gift indeed."
”Shalina… my apologies if I’ve been a little overbearing. I hadn’t realise you were Gifted, and I am afraid I may have treated you as simply an educated prosaic. I should have realised someone of your drive and intellect was one of us.”
ic: Shalina gave Azghaad a surprised look and waved off his words with her hand. “You have absolutely no reason to apologize as we have only known each other a short time. As we spend more time together, more abilities are revealed and bonds are forged.” With a smile she added, “You are being too hard on yourself.”
"That must have been a very special gift indeed."
Shalina just nodded with a small smile on her face.
Turn 020 is up!
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Akhmose decided he liked the feel of the scarab shield. After learning its properties, he was quite impressed. His old weapon required two hands, so he took up the khopesh. It had a fine balance.
The paladin entered the next room, wary for signs of curses or evil magic. He looks at the statues of Anubis and Pharasma. "We must be getting near Akhentepi's resting place," he mused. He marveled at the mirror, trying a variety of facial expressions to see how his reflection reacts. Self-consciousness made him stop, as he realized how comical it must seem. He glanced behind him, half-expecting to see Akhentepi's image behind him. "Wondrous magic. But why is my visage unhappy?" He looked down doubtfully at the treasures he now carried.
Azghaad looked guilty, then grumpy, then angry in short succession. Finally he burst out in a tirade.
"I wouldn't want to deceive you, colleagues. Nethys teaches that trinkets don't mean anything - only knowledge means anything. I myself don't care how I'm buried, for so long as my knowledge lives on, I live on."
"My particular temple has always been careful about the dead staying on their side of the veil. We're a bit unusual in that way."
"These artefacts belong in a museum, not mouldering away in some basement. Depriving the world of these is selfish, in my opinion. "
"Bah! As if Pharasma needed to see you were more important! She judges you on your soul, not your... your furnishings! Now, the god you get sent to might do that. Nethys judges on your progress on the path! Yes, there are gods who judge you on your wealth, I know. But I think this is mostly the work of the Funerary Industry, pushing everyone to outspend each other on goods that..." Azghaad trails off looking at his companions, then coughs.
"So I have no guilt whatsoever in taking anything useful. I'm not particularly interested in things like a big tub of perfume, though I suppose I'd sell it to fund my work. But if there is a chance that knowledge might be destroyed, then I have a religious duty to protect it. There are collectors who would prize what we've found. I would rather sell it to someone who will protect it for a small sum, than to someone who would destroy it for far more."
"I agreed to stand by the compact I signed, and I will."
"So I have no guilt whatsoever in taking anything useful. I'm not particularly interested in things like a big tub of perfume, though I suppose I'd sell it to fund my work. But if there is a chance that knowledge might be destroyed, then I have a religious duty to protect it. There are collectors who would prize what we've found. I would rather sell it to someone who will protect it for a small sum, than to someone who would destroy it for far more."
Shalina listened to those in the group starting to voice their opinions on what to do with the artifacts found. This was precisely why her uncle had wanted to have her along on this endeavor. She could easily see both sides of this coin but it was also obvious that the group, even though they had an understanding in place, had never really discussed the particulars of how to handle what they found.
“I think we all can agree that no one wants to do anything with the items from this tomb that will desecrate the memory or disturb the resting of Akhentepi. I think we also need to consider that the Pharasmin will expect a certain amount of what we find as proof that we have indeed explored the tomb." She let this last statement sink in before continuing, "However, there are also certain items that will not be appreciated by the Pharasmin and if handed over will most likely be hidden somewhere never to see the light of day or will be disregarded as having importance. Case in point would be the love letters I found. Do you think that they would want evidence of Akhentepi being an adulterer and not a devoted family man? It is one thing to know and another to have proof of that knowledge. I think we will need to sit down as a group and decide what we present and what we do not before we ascend to the surface. Whatever we do not hand over may be kept to be used for good,” Shalina nodded at Akhmose, “or a new home where it would be appreciated may be found where the profit can fund further work, as Azghaad has pointed out. Does this sound agreeable to everyone?”
tag everyone
Yes, only on the mirror. if you were turned around and look behind you, there is nothing there.
The headdress is similar to a 'regal uniform', similar to when you see current military leaders with all their medals.
Guys: don't be sorry to backtrack; this is good RP opportunity so continue as much as you like. I'll fit it in somehow.
As you read further, you realize that Akhentepi was NOT an adulterer; his relationship with his mistress occurred after his family died. He never remarried out of respect for them.
@Akhmose, should I have you take up the shield and khopesh?
Given the turn recap (and you guys not telling me what you wanted to do); I will have you all leave the extra loot in this room or do you want to leave it someplace else?
Questions?
Game on!
Edit: Case in point would be the love letters I found. Do you think that they would want artifacts to remember Akhentepi as a devoted, heartbroken warrior who has lost his family and has nothing to fight for except the people of Wati or…a lonely man who desires to find comfort in the arms of a new woman? Officials never want items that point to a person’s humanity because it reminds themselves, as well as the people, of their own limitations. They are only interested in those things that strengthen the idea of the legend.
Big vermin, similar in size to the scorpions you fought earlier is your best guess.
It seemed that the party was largely in agreement about selling off the antiquities found, but all recognized that there were some ethical hang-ups in doing so.
"My particular temple has always been careful about the dead staying on their side of the veil. We're a bit unusual in that way. These artefacts belong in a museum, not mouldering away in some basement. Depriving the world of these is selfish, in my opinion. 'Look at me Pharasma! I deserve special treatment because I have so much stuff!'"
"Now now, Mr Glyphstele. You surprise me. You're a smart man, you know our country's traditions, and you know that our ancient funerary rites exist not just for the deceased but for the living. The carriage, the weapons, the battlefield diorama; this tomb is a monument to Akhentepi the man. The tribute left them is a measure of our respect for the departed," said the cleric.
"We shouldn't pass judgement on Akhentepi based on his luxurious burial. For all we know the artifacts found indicate not selfishness, but how loved he was in life."
"Besides," he added. "these traditions are very effective at keeping the dead 'on their side of the veil', as you put it. Abjuration magic certainly does the trick, but when it comes to keeping the deceased placated sending them off with some respect has a very good track record. That being said I still don't appreciate the murder dolls."
Shalina joined in the discussion with her own, very practical, perspective.
"I think we also need to consider that the Pharasmin will expect a certain amount of what we find as proof that we have indeed explored the tomb. However, there are also certain items that will not be appreciated by the Pharasmin and if handed over will most likely be hidden somewhere never to see the light of day or will be disregarded as having importance."
"Forgive me, Miss Sekh-at, but I think you misjudge them. Most of my faith aim to be as objective in all matters as our Lady is in her role as judge of souls. We protect the dead's remains, not their reputation. Unless Akhentepi has known living descendents here in Wati, which I very much doubt, I cannot see the church objecting to any new information we bring to light about the man. But then, I clearly don't know my church as well as I thought, so take this for what you will," he ended lamely.
"I think we will need to sit down as a group and decide what we present and what we do not before we ascend to the surface. Whatever we do not hand over may be kept to be used for good or a new home where it would be appreciated may be found where the profit can fund further work, as Azghaad has pointed out. Does this sound agreeable to everyone?”
"Absolutely. I have made peace with myself, more or less, that most of the items we retrieve will be sold for coin. Although Mr Glyphstele and I are in complete agreement that these things belong in a museum, I have no objections to raising money for his research, Akhmose's mission, nor any other goal any of you deem worthy. I trust you. All of you," he smiled.
"I would request, however," he added. "that we honor our arrangement with your good uncle, Miss Sekh-at. One should strive to keep their promises. Besides, I'm certain that you and he are perfectly suited for finding 'appreciative homes', as you say, for our items."
Having entered the south room the cleric stopped abruptly in front of the mirror.
"Huh. Do I always look so grumpy?"
Not as grumpy as Akhentepi himself there in the back. Hello, sir. Sorry about all of this. I'm hoping to meet you soon. Was this effect set up to install a sense of guilt in would-be tomb robbers? Well, it's working, sir. Much better than the pernicious puppets. Very nice.
Great RP.
Can I recap tomorrow night?
Will you tell me where you want to go (east or west) or should I roll?
Where will you leave the loot you gained so far?
Game on!
"I wonder why he did not marry her. Perhaps she was not considered appropriate to his station?" Akhmose thought it might be interesting to learn these long-dead secrets, but not while they were in a dangerous tomb. He replies to Shalina, "I don't think we should hide any knowledge, unless it is dangerous. Studying the small events of the past can help shed light on the larger ones...or so I've heard." He trails off, wondering if he is talking too much about his interest in history.
...
Akhmose considers his companions' arguments. "I wanted to fulfill my family's ancient oath to guard the tombs. How strange it is that now I am licensed to take from them. But perhaps I can fulfill it in a different way, by guarding the legacy of the knowledge that is contained herein." He assents to Rubani's plan.
Later
Stone double doors, stood slightly ajar, which led to the east and west. Torch holders sculpted in the shape of bird skulls were built in each corner, and a thin layer of dust covered every surface except... for some tracks that Shalina found. Vermin appeared to have traveled between the east and west doors.
She bent down to examine the tracks a little closer. “I cannot tell how long ago these tracks were left but they seem to have been made by some large arachnid, possibly a scorpion. Although I have not seen scorpions that large before, have any of you?”
tag everyone
The mirror itself was something of an oddity and Azghaad soon explained that it had a faint magical aura, of illusion and transmutation. No matter who looked in the mirror, they saw their image reflected back at them. That was expected from a mirror but the strange part was that the image was reflected back scowling, as if disapproving something. In the back of the mirror appeared the likeness of Akhentepi as depicted elsewhere throughout the tomb: a human man with bronzed skin in his forties, wearing white ceremonial robes and a headdress.
Shalina didn’t trust the mirror. It was odd enough that regardless of what facial expression one made that it was always reflected back as a scowl. What she didn’t like was that Akhentepi’s image was inside the mirror and it was almost like his gaze followed her as she moved. She was probably imagining things. At least she hoped she was imagining things…after all, it had been a day filled with challenges that had kept her on her toes. Maybe it was just her instincts kicked into overdrive but regardless of the reason, this was another hallway that she didn’t want to spend a lot of time in.
“Does anyone think there is any relevance to having Pharasma at the east doors and Anubis at the west doors? It may help us determine which way to go next." She thought about it further before turning to the paladin, "Akhmose, you had mentioned that Anubis is the god of burials and tombs. Do you think Akhentepi is interred towards the west?”
Tag everyone but specifically Akhmose
"It is a tradition, I agree. Is it a good one? Our country has produced some of the greatest scholars, mages and civilisations on the planet. But now illiterate children live in run down houses, our army is stretched to defend us, and we are all but bought out by foreigners!"
"Imagine, if instead of celebrating his life with grave goods and an elaborate tomb these resources had been used to fund a school, or equip an army in his name? I know it cannot be a popular viewpoint, but I have heard rumours that these expeditions of ours are to raise desperately needed capital to stave off economic collapse!"
Azghaad seems entranced with the mirror, peering into it, then carefully touching it when (and if) it seems safe.
"Beautiful work. Look at how fluidly it mirrors our bodies. No delay at all. I wonder if the designer solved the glyph problems. Fascinating. Now this is a monument! You can see him in there, preserved for all the ages. I'd ask for this as my share, but I couldn't possibly care for it well enough."
“I cannot tell how long ago these tracks were left but they seem to have been made by some large arachnid, possibly a scorpion. Although I have not seen scorpions that large before, have any of you?”
Azghaad quickly and nervously flashes his robes into a stripped down 'combat' style, spinning around to look.
"I lost my team to a spider yesterday. When I got here they were being attacked by scorpions.""We should shut and block one of these doors, so they can't creep up behind us!"
Anything not obviously portable, I say we leave it where we found it. These things are old (and therefore presumably fragile) as well as being encumbering.
Anything not obviously portable, I say we leave it where we found it. These things are old (and therefore presumably fragile) as well as being encumbering.
“I cannot tell how long ago these tracks were left but they seem to have been made by some large arachnid, possibly a scorpion. Although I have not seen scorpions that large before, have any of you?”Azghaad quickly and nervously flashes his robes into a stripped down 'combat' style, spinning around to look.
"I lost my team to a spider yesterday. When I got here they were being attacked by scorpions."
"We should shut and block one of these doors, so they can't creep up behind us!"
Naomi nodded, "I agree with you Azghaad. Those scorpions took us unawares. No need to repeat that particular mistake. Let's use those pitons to spike the west door for now and explore to the east. Once we're done there, we can repeat in reverse."
"It is a tradition, I agree. Is it a good one? Our country has produced some of the greatest scholars, mages and civilisations on the planet. But now illiterate children live in run down houses, our army is stretched to defend us, and we are all but bought out by foreigners!"
"Imagine, if instead of celebrating his life with grave goods and an elaborate tomb these resources had been used to fund a school, or equip an army in his name? I know it cannot be a popular viewpoint, but I have heard rumours that these expeditions of ours are to raise desperately needed capital to stave off economic collapse!"
Naomi frowned, "I may not have much experience beyond Wati, but this isn't a tradition carried forward to today. Today, we respect the dead, we don't create these lavish memorials. You may very well be right that this was why Ancient Osirion fell to the Keleshites to begin with. As to today however, isn't it clear that Osirion is on the rise once more. I myself came from the worst parts of Wati, but even there things have improved since I was a girl. There are still poor, but whether you agree or disagree with the Ruby Prince's actions, things here have improved."
I have a definite direction and will therefore recap later today.
Game on!
"Today we don't have the money. I don't think we've learned better. I think the Ruby Prince is doing" Azghaad is careful in his next words "a great job in restoring the country to its former glory." he returns to a more normal cadence "However, his reforms aren't cheap. My fear is that when his turn comes to move on, he will build some elaborate pyramid for himself, and beggar the nation in the process."