Things are tense even after Nakht marches out. Sebti does not seem to be very happy with them either and Elliander wonders if they are going to split up or not. He is for helping the citizens of Wati, if not for political reasons, so for the chance to further explore the Necropolis. He has used up much of his spells and his protective gear needs time to recharge, but not much more than that. If he gets the opportunity to restock on a health potion, he wouldn’t mind.
He waits to see if Sefanit is leaving them for good or just temporarily.
Hasina stays. She is the last remaining person from the original group and has worked with the temple from the beginning, she has only worked with Sefanit for a few hours. I hope that she will return, she Is a formidable ally. Although Hasina understands Sefanit's frustration, now is the time to work together and leash the warranted emotions about the battle we were just in. For good or ill, that battle gave us an insight on strategies on how to overcome them if we run into them again,,, and that may just happen.
Francis waits quietly for Sefanit to leave, or do whatever else she decides. He isn't in charge of anything other than himself and had already made his feelings known.
Facing Sebti he bows and replies, "I of course stand ready to work for the temple as Pharasma directs. However, all of the resources granted to me by Pharasma for today have been used. In that Nacht has worked harm upon the city. If we face attack today I could do little more than a simple temple guard, and possibly not even that well."
Once the others have made their choices he turns to Sebti. "Regardless of reason, Nacht has at least identified an issue that we should address. We were ill prepared to fight an enemy that required more than standard weapons. We have some resources, treasures taken from the enemies that we fought in the Necropolis. Perhaps we can exchange them for coin and search for better weapons, adamantine weapons, at least for those that will melee with the enemy. Hasina's flail was the only weapon that we had capable of hurting Nacht's.... creature. Is there a weapon smith known by the temple where we can deal with for such?"
By the time Sefanit has been escorted out of the temple, Sefanit has come to doubt the wisdom of even trying to arrive at some sort of working accommodation with the Pharasman church.
While she's inclined to help in Wati, there seem fewer avenues for doing so than she has thought in the moment. She would not cooperate with the church, and it would seem now the group she'd met the day before were at loggerheads with her as well. How they could continue to align themselves with the Pharasmans was beyond her understanding, except for the Pharasman among them of course. He made sense because that's where his bread is buttered.
If Safanit thinks back to first reasons though, she had come to Wati for research. It is obvious now that research can't be carried out under the present circumstances. So she will get back to her original purpose and to Sothis to do it. It is more picked over for sure, but also less benighted in attitudes.
Sefanit doesn't wait around outside. She'd only met the other people the day before yesterday, and clearly she and they are not solidly friends. She writes out a note explaining her destination and intentions and wishing them the best. She leaves it with one of the guards at the doors.
After packing her things, Sefanit finds passage on a riverboat north. She will keep an ear to the ground for what happens in Wati in the days and weeks to come. She expects Nakht will eventually act as he has stated he would. Sefanit will still be keeping her vow if so, at a time and place of her choosing as she warned.
Elliander walks over to Hasina while the others are arguing. He smiles a little at her to ease the tension.
”Bravely fought. It was not a fair nor even a meaningful fight, but we had a chance, didn’t we? Handing over your flail surprised me at first, but I respect you for it. It was tactically sound. Many warriors want to die still clutching their favorite weapon, but better to survive if there is a chance.
How do you feel? Have you recovered? Do you want to get away from this or a second swing at it? We didn’t much get a chance to discuss why we are here yesterday. What are your plans? Are these people with you?"
The duskblade realizes he is rambling on with a lot of questions, likely to feel better himself and having an alternative dialogue to the solitaire one with Biter’s somewhat weird suggestions.
Wealday, the 28th day of Gozran, 4714 AR
Weather is clear and very warm, with light winds coming from the north.
Second Hour after Sunrise
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Bringing the adventurers back to a more well-appointed room in which they can take their ease and speak, Sebti calls for refreshments and speaks once the needs of the heroes are attended. “The necropolis is crawling with undead, and I believe that the source of the incursion can be found there. Perhaps you have heard mention of the ‘ka pulse’ that we believe was responsible for wakening the restless dead? That kind of energy is not visible to the eye, but there are ways to detect them. Sensitive necromantic detectors called seegiac compasses can sense large sources of necromantic energy, and are often used by church inquisitors to track and subdue fell influences that have escaped the necropolis over the years. Unfortunately, the range of these magical items are limited, and require a ritual to use them effectively – as well it requires three of them in order to triangulate a particular place. They are too large to move easily, and though the temple uses many that are scattered throughout the city, none of them have the range to reach into the necropolis. However, we know that there are three of them within the old city that can be activated and used by those willing to walk into that dangerous place. The antique compasses you must seek are something of a mystery to us now, but an elven scholar we have contacted has a vast knowledge ancient arcana. She seems confident that she can get them to work, if she can be protected long enough to reach them and activate each in turn. They should work for a period of twenty four hours, after which time they will shut down of their own accord. Once all three are attuned, you need only perform a simple ritual that will allow you to see the necromantic energy detected by the compasses and then find a place to survey the whole of the necropolis. Any of the three sites where the compasses can be found should serve adequately. Likely you will see a number of energy sources, considering the vast number of undead roaming the streets of the dead city. But I can only imagine that the source of the ka pulse will stand out like a beacon - I am certain you will know it for what it is. Go to that site and do what you can to shut it down.”
The priestess gazes at each of the adventurers in turn, then concludes her plea for help. “We have little to offer, for the vast majority of our resources have already been sapped in assisting the guards and priests who have in turn done everything in their power to protect and heal the citizens of Wati. But this I can give you to hide you from the eyes of the undead that wander the necropolis in such vast numbers.” Sebti holds forth a slim wand with silvery runes etched into the dark wood. “This will make you invisible to the undead, and though it is very effective against those without intelligence, even those with cunning can often be deceived. It is fully charged, and each will offer you protection for nearly an hour. Use it wisely and step as softly as you can. Even should you be forced into battle, still it will veil you from the eyes of the undead – though again with some amount of intelligence might see through the illusion. Will you aid us? As your reward, you may of course keep whatever valuables you come across in the dead city as you search for the compasses.”
Elliander turns his attention from Hasina back to Sebti when the priestess starts speaking. The duskblade listens and tries to guess how such necromantic detectors would look like and if he has ever heard of something that can point out a source of such negative energy. If they can get a focus on from where this core of evil is emitting or lurking, it would make their task easier, but still far from easy, he guesses.
The wand Sebti offers at the end of her speech seems like a practical thing to have to go about undetected more easily. Elliander is interested in most arcane items. He assumes Francis will take the wand as he has shown more rapport with the priestess, but if no one else is stepping forth, Elliander will take the wand and thank Sebti for it. It’s not really enough for them to set out directly though. Elliander prefers them to get a rest and recharge their spells before continuing, and he again lets the rest of the team know his thoughts.
Francis accepts the wand gratefully. "Sounds like whatever the artifact was stolen from the Temple we were in might still be there? We will of course do what we can. We will need to rest and recover spells before returning to the Necropolis. And while this wand is a great asset, we will need to sell some of the items obtained from the Silver Chains hideout, and if possible purchase some of what we are lacking against our enemies. The curing wand that I have is about half depleted. If the temple has none for sale, is there perhaps a merchant in town that might? I know the price would be higher, but a life lost due to the lack is a much higher price!"
Hasina smiles at Elliander's questions.
"Thank you for your praise for me loaning you my flail, however I was doing it to save the group..someone had to survive. I am fine and would like another chance of defeating that creature, but there are more pressing issues here and those need to be addressed first. My group is known as the Blades of Destiny. I am the last surviving original member, Francis came after one of our original members died and has proven himself to be a good friend. You and the other ladies .,. we just ran into each other this past night but I would be honored to work with all of you. We have rooms in the city where we might rest and recover before we head out again and I would be honored to have you join us. Thank you for helping us." she holds her hand out to shake his in friendship and thanks.
Hasina listens to the priestess and then the other members,
"..so after we perform guard duty and get your elf to these compass points and gets them turned on, will your elf help to defeat the ka pulse or will we need to escort her out before we attempt to get this source turned off, and can you give us anything to aid us in turning off?"
After she adds her questions, Hasina sits back and sips on wine and eats some, waiting for the group to finish, she is ready to go and kick some ka pulse ass!!
Wealday, the 28th day of Gozran, 4714 AR
Weather is clear and very warm, with light winds coming from the north.
Midday
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Elliander knows nothing of these magical compasses, and Sebti answers Hasina’s question first. “That will be up to her, if she wishes to accompany you further. Her name is Soumral, and I will send word to her when you leave here to meet with you wherever you are staying. She has in her possession a rough map of the Necropolis which indicates the whereabouts of the seegiac compasses you are to seek out. One of these locations is known as the Cenotaph of the Cynic. We know that the place is used as a base by a cult of atheists, led by three lamia sisters that lure innocent men and women into following their wicked ways. Another of the locations is the Asetiti Estate, inhabited by dark folk that Ptemnib knows something about. The last may be found in the Pyramid of Arithmetic Bliss, an ancient place of study and knowledge that we believe to be uninhabited.”
Turning to Francis, the priestess shakes her head slightly. “I am sorry, we have no such weapons to give you or we would. Our resources are stretched thin as it is. It is possible you will find some of the merchants might be willing to do business, but the reports I’ve received indicate that many have closed their shops as they too do what they can to defend their lives. I fear that Nakht’s decision to unleash his outsider army will only make things worse in the days to come unless you are able to help us turn the tide by putting an end to the source of this crisis.”
During the course of your conversation, Ptemnib returns and quietly listens for a bit, then speaks up as Sebti pauses. “The dark folk that Sebti has mentioned are a strange folk called the Xotl, but I believe them to be relatively harmless, perhaps even peaceful. Their leader is called Unwrapped Harmony. As to entering the Necropolis, you have a few options. Scaling the wall is a possibility, if you possess the skills and equipment to do so. Going through the main gates would be extremely risky, given the army of undead that our guardsmen are even now battling against in order to keep them closed. We know there are other ways into the dead city, often used by smugglers and the like. You have seen one of them in fact, in the headquarters of the Silver Chain. Though we did not chart its course, it seems very likely that the canal we saw leads into the Necropolis directly. I noted that the direction it headed seemed to indicate that was the case, and its proximity to the dead city would make it an ideal smuggling route. I am fairly certain that they would likely have used the place for that reason.”
After answering any further questions, Sebti and Ptemnib bid the adventurers farewell and they return to the Tooth and Hookah without incident - save for distant screams and the occasional sounds of combat where guardsmen likely clash with the undead invaders. To their relief, they find the inn is in good shape – probably due to the fact that Farhaan is no stranger to weapons himself, and that the same can be said for many of those staying at the inn. You also have noted an increased number of temple guardsmen patrolling the streets nearby, perhaps due to the innkeeper’s relation to the priest Khusebek.
After inquiring about whether any of the local merchants might yet be doing business, and who might be selling weapons that could aid them against both the undead and outsiders, Farhaan is able to provide a couple of names of those he feels strongly will still be open to conducting business with adventurers like themselves. It is approaching midday and the innkeeper suggests lunch and perhaps something strong to drink when a thin elven woman steps through the door, her eyes glancing curiously around until they alight on the adventurers…
But then the elven woman's eyes move on and find the person she's looking for. She goes to join a well dressed man at a table near the window. They clearly know each other well as he stands to greet her.
Then another elven woman comes to the party's attention as she stands up at a table near the back of the room. She seems tipsy, taking longer than usual to find her balance. Once she has, she looks around at the motley, random crowd at her table and raises a glass high.
"And another one for Voss... He, he was.." A bit of booze sloshes from her glass. "No no, he REALLY was just the best. The best at what he did, which was mostly drinking and shagging. But, and I mean seriously now... He was a good friend, and a true talent with his sword. And a good friend, did I say that already? He was... and may he be at peace now. TO VOSS!"
With the shout, which the people at her table join, she downs the contents of her glass in a single long swallow.
Elliander is glad over Hasina’s positive response. He feels a bit more accepted into the team.
When Sebti and later Ptemnib speak, Elliander tries to listen to their information about the city and the upcoming task.
Done with the temple, he follows the others back to the place where they seem to have been staying. The sounds of nearby battle do not frighten him just yet. He tries to find out if this is where they are going to rest before heading out again. If so, he will investigate if he can get a bed there too upon arrival. It’s still just midday though when they arrive at the Tooth and Hookah and lunch also seems like a good idea.
They need to find this Soumral with the map and the instructions.
The sound of someone shouting more than usual attracts his attention and he looks at the source. Always glad to meet elves, he spots a female elf that looks a bit drunk.
The elf giving the toast is typically tall and slender, to the point of looking fragile. Where she departs from the elves most people know well, Avistani elves, is in her coloration. Her hair is black, and cropped at shoulder length. Her eyes are likewise dark. Her skin tone is a lighter bronze than the skin of most humans in northern Garund, but she is considerably darker than the elves of Avistan.
Someone who knew elves very well, or was very well traveled would recognize her as a Mualijae elf from the Mwangi Expanse. Considering her presence in Osirion, a good bet would on her belonging to or being descended from the Alijae tribe, living west of Katapesh across the Brazen Peaks. A single tattoo of some geometric design wraps around her right upper arm.
The elven woman's clothes are unremarkable for travel in Osirion, cotton and linen in light colors. She wears loose trousers and a short, sleeveless tunic with a scooped neck. There are sandals on her feet. A light colored cloak or robe is draped over the back of her chair.
Wealday, the 28th day of Gozran, 4714 AR
Weather is clear and very warm, with light winds coming from the north.
Midday
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Farhaan suddenly gives a shout in greeting as a familiar face strides into the tavern. It is Khusebek, and the priest moves to give his cousin a hug before heading to your table. “Sebti sends her regrets, as we have been unable to locate the whereabouts of the elven scholar Soumral. We were told she had gone out last night and never returned, and as she is crucial in finding these compasses we…are…” The priest trails off as he gazes at the drunk elven woman making quite a scene at a table near the back of the tavern. “Oh. Well, uh… that’s her right there. Oh my.”
As the team gets seated for a light meal and drink Francis glances around at everyone. "OK. The temple mentioned a few vendors we can deal with. I think we need to sell off the stuff that we have no use for. Then we'll know what we can afford. We should have at least one other weapon of adamantine for the warriors if we encounter something like Nacht's thing. But I'm thinking that it needs to be something that anyone could use, like maybe a mace?"
"Anyway, This is just my opinion...."
Francis stands to greet Khusebek with a big smile. "Sit friend! We were just discussing.... Oh. Well, she's found then. And her current state is not a problem. We have some transactions that we need to deal with before we attempt the Necropolis. Maybe she can sleep it off?"
Picking up his mug as he rises, Francis moves over by the.... interesting elven lady. Raising his mug he respectfully speaks to her, "While I didn't know your friend Voss, many have lost friends recently. Let's have a drink to all of them. Let's raise our drinks again, To lost friends!"
Taking a quick drink he then speaks directly to the elf, "My party and I are seeking a scholar known as Soumral. If that would be you, perhaps you would join us, over there?" He motions toward the table with his mug. "And you could tell us more about your great friend Voss!"
Elliander’s attention is interrupted when the innkeeper spots a friend, who approaches them. Francis seems to know the newcomer which also seem to be some type of cleric. The duskblade has not yet become accustomed with the different religious factions and their gods here, but nods at Khusebek. He keeps quiet and tries to listen to what Francis is saying and to see if the others of the team already know the man too.
Elliander learns that the drunk female elf might indeed be their guide with the map, and he watches her again. She looks a bit different from the wood elves he grew up with. Her skin is darker and her clothes more suited for heat and sand than for the woods, it seems. To his knowledge, elves love the beauty of nature and he cannot really see that beauty in the landscape of sand and stone he has seen so far around Wati. Hopefully she will be to some help fighting the undead and lead them to the where they need to go, and not too drunk.
He tries not to stare at her too much, having understood that not all elves understand his fascination for their way of life.
The elven woman turns to look at Francis as he speaks. Up close now, he can tell her eyes aren't dark as in black, but rather a very deep green. It seems to him she has some trouble getting focused on him, but without any visible whites in her eyes to help him track their movement he can't be sure.
She doesn't question his presence at all, eagerly agreeing to his toast. She grabs her spare drink off the table and raises it, addressing the whole area in front of her.
"Absolutely! One more for Hamdanah, Voss, and all our departed friends!"
By the time Francis has explained his presence, the elf has finished off the second glass. She shakes her head doubtfully.
"My name is Soumral, but I'm not exactly a scholar."
She sticks her hand down her shirt and fumbles around, eventually pulling out an engraved brass circular object attached to a chain around her neck. She holds up up for Francis to see.
"I'm a Pathfinder Society field agent. But any Soumral will do in an emergency right?"
Sourmal grins at her attempt at a joke and throws her arm around Francis's shoulders, starting to lead him more or less back in the direction he came from.
"So where are you drinking?"
She turns back to the table she's leaving and hollers "you've all been great! Really nice! Glad to meet you!" before leading Francis onward to wherever.
On the way she throws up her arm to hail a server. "Another round for that table there!" She points back to where she's been. "Put it on my tab! And bring drinks to where I sit down!"
Francis points Soumral to their table trying to follow her words. A Pathfinder agent? Not quite what he had thought considering Sebti's words. Maybe between that, and Khusebek they could figure things out.
"We are working with the temple, trying to solve the dilemma of the awakened dead in the Necropolis. Sebti and Ptemnib indicated that a Ka pulse is the source of the problem, and that there were sensors in the Necropolis, seegiac compasses I think she called them, that might point us to that source? And she indicated that you were something of a scholar and perhaps had a map? that might show us where the sensors are located? The places she mentioned, give me a moment to remember..... The first was the Cenotaph of the Cynic, then the Asetiti Estate, and finally the Pyramid of Arithmetic Bliss."
"We have some business to conduct, but then we were going to try to get back in to the Necropolis through a smuggler's route. The other options to getting in all sounded too dangerous to try. You're welcome to come along with us if you'd like, but I don't know how much daylight will be available once we've finished our business. We'll probably start in the morning. We have rooms in the suite upstairs here and there's room for you if you'd like."
Soumral perks up a bit and starts paying attention when Francis mentions Sebti.
"Oh yeah, the Pharasman. We, Voss and I, talked to her yesterday. Kinda spooky those Pharasmans. But she called me a scholar?" Soumral chuckles. "That's awfully nice of her."
Soumral shifts her arm on the table and knocks over Francis's glass. She starts trying to wipe the liquid off the table with her hand.
"Uh, sorry about that... Um, yeah. We talked about the Eli, Egiat, Elugic, the compasses. Map's up in my room. Haven't looked at it. Overtaken by events and all you see...
Soumral breaks off and looks around to see where the hell the server is.
"You see, my thing, what I know about, are the countdown clocks. But the compasses shouldn't be a problem. I've read about them."
Elliander has been sitting listening and trying to look friendly. He studies and listens to Soumral, even though he does not understand everything she talks about. Then she says something that triggers his curiosity enough for him to blurt out: ”What’s a countdown clock?”
Soumral swivels / swerves to the direction of Elliander. She extends her arm toward him and points a finger at his face.
"Exactly sir! That's the big question! What ARE the countdown clocks? Four known devices, but I tell you I think there must be more, I think eleven or fifty-six in all. One for each of the four Pharaohs of Ass.. Assscension some say, but fours aren't imporatt, uh important anywhere else with them. Each of them different in size, location, and particuulers, parts, <sigh> <hic> how they're built."
"But! They're all counting syn, shincro, together, you know? At the same time. Almost certain... starting in -1498 AR. Counting down to zero. But in weird ways so it's not like they, know know, hey, they match regular time flow. Kinda like having a clandar, calendar. Right? But the days or weeks aren't uniform. It'll get to the end of the year, but on a given day in there, you don't know how long it will take until you do. .. Get to the end.
"And the numbers 11 and 56 all over the place, all combos and orders. Best guess anybody has right now? They stop counting in 4718, not too long now. But what happens then? Nothing good I'll bet you. Nope, it won't be anything nice."
Elliander smiles back and nods while he listens to the answer. He tries to understand what she is telling him, but it’s a bit incoherent and he hopes she won’t be that drunk and unfocused when they head out searching for the compasses. He reminds himself that she’s got the map that they want. He’d like to see it, but don’t mind waiting and resting for a while first. If they can recover and start out tomorrow, it would suit him better. Francis is also involved in the discussion, but the cleric has indicated he wants to get the team re-equipped first, visiting the shops Farhaan has described to them.
”So, food first, then sell off the excess loot and see what we can buy at the shops Farhaan mentioned and in the afternoon we study that map to make a plan on where to go?” ” he ventures after a while.
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While the discussion is going on, the front door opens and a small creature enters the tap room. The stranger is clad in wide khaki robes and a hooded cape which partially hide the two bandoliers across his chest filled with various flasks and pouches.
Once inside he pulls back the hood, revealing a snouty face of a ratling. His yellow eyes quickly scan the room before settling on Soumral. His face turns into an angry snarl and he stomps over to the group. immediately adressing the elf from below as soon as he arrives.
"What are you doing here? Ith this the way an society field agent behaves? I am sure the venture captain would not approve of this."
He grabs Soumral by the hand trying to take her away. "Squeeeeak! " The ratling immediately drops her hand again, after realizing its covered with spilled wine and god knows what."What a meth you've made. Now I can wash for a thhird time today. And I am sure not touching you in this state." He frantically tries to clean his little paw on sall rag he produces. "And you stink worth then uncle Frisk on his daughterth wedding night."
Thinking how best to proceeed he scans the group settling on Hasina. " My dear Lady. Would you be so kind as to help me with this thorry young lady. I think I need to get her to her room, before she accidently drowns herself in the gutter. I hope she has not been blathering about the countdown clockth too much?"
Soumral yanks her hand away from the ratfolk interloper.
"Keep your hands off me Rediz! Rude!"
The elf leans back in her chair with her arms crossed, glaring at Rediz. She's clearly annoyed.
"The Society doesn't OWN me, I'll do as I please with my downtime. Norden doesn't care what I do in any case. I produce results and he knows it."
"While YOU have been moping around grooming yourself or whatever you do with your spare time, I'VE been fixing our problem."
Soumral sweeps her arm around to indicate the people sitting with her at the table.
"These fine people need a hand with a project in the Necropolis. An important one. We're back in business Rediz. See? Always getting results, even as we speak. What good news are YOU showing up here with?"
She snaps her fingers dismissively at the ratfolk.
|
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"What results I have to show? Well certainly not turning a purse of gold pieces into a bar full of empty pitchers. You might hafe a career in alchemy open to you, if you ever manage to reverth the process."
Rediz takes a scroll from his vest whoch is filled with notes written in coal.
"I hafe been trying to find us two amethyth ioun stoneth for our wayfinders to hide us from the undead, alas nobody in this city has any available. But at least I hafe found a fresh potion of invithibility." Rediz shows a flask from his right bandolier.
He looks at his list and continues. " I have also talked to that priestess of Parathma about our predicament and she promithed to send some blades to come with us tomorrow. Although I do not really understand how some untrained temple guards might be of help inthide the necropolis."
Rediz shrugs and turns towards the group. "And who are you?" He scans the group carefully. "You look quite competent, in any case compared to a band of guards."
Francis stares at the small ratfolk, marveling at how he tries to take command of the drunken elf. When he asks for Hasina's aid he smiles and nods to the warrior lady. But before any assistance can be rendered Soumral fights free and the two continue.
Finally when Rediz faces them directly Francis decides to put a smiling face on the situation. "Who at the temple did you.... Never mind! Obviously they weren't clear."
"I am Francis Thrannel, Theologian of Pharasma. The lady whose aid you requested is Hasina Haqikah. We, plus our new friend here Elliander Celander and one absent friend, Emilia von Happledonk, are occasionally known as the Blades of Destiny. The name came during the recent days of the Necropolis lottery. Anyway, we are likely the "blades" that the temple was referring to. Sebti, and Khusebek here from the temple said that we'd find a.... well a scholar of sorts here that could help us find some rather important things in the Necropolis. We plan to venture there again tomorrow, once we've sold some of the items that we recovered from the Silver Chains, and purchased supplies that we are likely to need."
Motioning to the potion that Rediz had mentioned he adds, "I hope you didn't spend too much for your potion. The church helped us out with a wand to make us invisible to undead. That's likely the only things that we'll need to be hiding from. And with any luck we'll just destroy them rather than hide!"
Soumral is sorely tempted to tell Rediz that a career in alchemy would be an undoubted several steps downward for someone who deals directly with raw magics like herself, but she also knows how sensitive he is about the subject of alchemy. It would be taking things well beyond a little bickering.
Instead she turns to Francis. "You'll have to forgive Rediz, he's rather excitable and get all wound up easily."
Turning back to Rediz she tells him "Voss and I had the same conversation more or less with the Priestess Sebti, and here I am sitting with exactly the people you've probably not even started looking for yet" with a rather smug smile.
In a more serious tone she tells everyone "I have the maps, so it's mostly a matter of deciding on a safe route of travel. Obviously we should begin as close to first light as possible, and plan to be back out before sunset. That means we'll need an efficient route and a commitment to avoiding unneeded entanglements."
She already seems more sober, assuming she was actually as intoxicated as she seemed earlier.
"We have more than enough room in our suite to accommodate the both of you and Elliander. It would seem prudent that we move this party there and give Farhaan more tables in which to serve other patrons."
Hasina goes to Soumral and helps her up and starts upstairs. Once they get upstairs,
"Your act is convincing, to most people. I am Hasina. I do not remember meeting anyone from your tribe before, but as desert people, we have heard of you, you are welcome. Farhaan will be bringing refreshments and drink up in a bit. We can go shopping or stay and eat. I know Francis is ready to get the shopping done. This is my room and that one is Francis, the rest of you can take your pick."
When the adventurers hit the streets to sell their goods and hopefully find a potent weapon crafted of adamantine, they find pretty good success at a few shops suggested by Farhaan located in the well-guarded Sunburst Market. A merchant specializing in jewels, gems and rare antiquities is eager to purchase the funerary masks, bracelets, and other trinkets for a handsome sum. An apothecary buys up their potion as well as the oil of taggit, but it is a dwarven smith that proves to be their best find, for he is fascinated with the khopesh, which he claims to be quite effective against mummies in particular, due to the composition of the blade - which involves some sort of chemical salts or the like. He even has an magically enchanted adamantine greatsword he is willing to trade for the khopesh as well as the magical leather armors.
Soumral can walk herself upstairs just fine and insists she be allowed to do so.
"We can use your room right now to meet if you want, sure. But Rediz and I have rooms down the hall."
After Hasina introduces herself Soumral looks at her as if she's just about the most precious thing she's ever come across.
"Right. Thanks. You mean Mualijae or specifically Alijae? Not that it really matters, never been there myself. I was born in the city of Katapesh. Mostly grew up there too. Went to Absalom for advanced studies for a while. My parents are from the Mwangi though, so I've heard about it. We'll have to compare notes sometime. Considering Aroden was still the 'God of Humankind' when I was born things might have changed some since they were there. Though honestly considering their description, probably not. I appreciate the gesture though. I'll go get that map and so forth, back in a minute."
Soumal fetches the materials given to her by Sebti and brings them back to Hasina's room.
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"Blades of Destiny? Umm..,. Maybe right.." The ratling looks a bit embarassed to the side before ctaching himself.
"Nice to meet you and your friendth, Francis. I am Redith, a member of the Pathfinder Society like my fellow agent here and an alchemist well verthed with Ossirian ancient culture."
The ratling raises himself to his full heigt of 4 feet to present imself in the best possible light. Now that you can see him clearly you also notice a the alamist's kit attached to his finely encraved belt, as well as the Small crossbow and mace he is carrying. You can also see the triplet of small rings attached to his right ear.
"You may be right about that potion Francis, but please consider that I was expecting to enter the necropolis with Soumral alone and as formidable as here blasts can be I considered our chances of success to be well below the established threshold of 75% for missions conducted by the society. Therefore I saw it prudent to take some precautions which might now be no longer necessary."
When Francis questions the dwarf about other adamantine weapons, the merchant grunts and nods, retrieving a heavy mace that the cleric might be able to use. The weapon is not enchanted with magic however, which lowers the value the dwarf grudgingly agrees...
Francis listens respectfully to the explanation from Rediz. While he hadn't known any ratfolk before, it was clear that this individual would be a good addition to the team. "I don't think I've ever heard of calculations like that before. But it would be interesting to see how the odds are determined when many of the variables would be.... well, unknown or variable!"
"Regardless, I can certainly see where invisibility would increase the success rate. But for the undead that we are sure to encounter, we can use the wand that the temple allowed for us. There are likely going to be some non-undead as well. We plan to return to the Silver Chains hideout. They were smugglers, raiding the Necropolis and shipping the spoils that they found out of the city. There hideout was on the waterfront side of the Necropolis, not near the gate. They certainly must have had a method of safely entering and exiting the Necropolis. And since they would have occasionally been carrying heavy loads, I can't believe it involved climbing over the wall."
"Once we've found our way in, we'll make our way to the locations of the seegiac compasses and try to activate them. They are supposed to point out the source of the Ka pulse. Then we can go there and hopefully put an end to the undead menace!"
Elliander listens attentively and is glad to hear he has a bed for the night and that the others are not so keen to get started they can’t wait until tomorrow. Getting caught out there during the dark hours might be taking unnecessary risks.
He can feel Biter laughing silently at the mentioning of the “Blades of Destiny”. The duskblade presents himself though in a quiet manner to the newcomers. He always feels a bit awkward getting to know and trust new people. And a rat? Rat-like anyway. But in a sense, he’s the newcomer, at least in this part of the world. Elliander shakes his head, not really knowing what lead him here. Most of the places mentioned seems new and strange to him. He is far from home.
His focus is returned when Francis starts talking about the Silver Chains hideout and what sees like a plan to enter the Necropolis tomorrow through a likely tunnel of sorts.
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Rediz listens intendly to Francis explanation and agrees "A secret entrance into the Necropolith. It ith well established by Venture Captain Fafahz, that getting to the Objective of the mission can be the hardest part using up all your spells and potions before the mission even starts. So this is definitely good news and would lower the mission approach difficulty by at least 50%." The Rat goes on muttering about various numbers and checks the map, eventaking some rough measurings with his paws. "Yes, I think this could work."
Then he looks a bit more careful at the markings, "Pyramid of Arithmetic Blith. I really look forward to that one. Dwellings of Dark Folk, Athiest Lamia Cultist. I assume you are also not from this city? I wonder what these places are?"
With all the information provided by Sebti spread out on a table, Soumral begins working on a plan.
"It's good there's an alternate way into the Necropolis. Trying to force our way through one of the gates would be quite insane. Where is the waterside entrance though?"
"If we're lucky we'll be able to deduce the location of the Ka Pulse without needing to use all three seegiac compasses, but we must plan assuming we will. Given the compasses' locations, it's fair to say they would locate the Ka Pulse through triangulation, with the pulse being somewhere between the three of them."
"The simplest, most sensible approach will be to take the compass locations in order from closest to farthest, cutting down on excess travel. But depending on exactly where the tunnels you know about are, we would begin at the Cenotaph or the Pyramid. Which one of those are the tunnels closest to?'
The adventurers that cleaned out the headquarters of the Chains of Silver know that they didn't explore the canal any further - though as Ptemenib mentioned to them, it seems extremely likely that it terminates somewhere within the Necropolis. The tomb robbers would indeed be very likely to have such access to the Dead City in order to carry out their ill deeds, and the canal seemed to be headed in that direction - with the Bright River Brickworks beneath which they'd built their lair being only a short distance to the south of the Necropolis.
At a guess, it seems likely that the tunnel opens up somewhere in the southwestern part of the Dead City, but without further exploration that is only an estimate.
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"Well Wati is build on the local sandstone and its an well established fact that sandstone has only a medium stability as a tunnel building material. So unless this tunnel has been build with loads of reinforcements it is not going to go very far into the Necropolis. That would mean we come out near the Pyramid of Arithmetic Bliss." Rendiz is barely able to contain his excitment.
Later that evening, after the blades have told Rediz about their unsuccessful fight against Nakht and his creature." So your weapon could not harm these creatures? Apart from the adamantine flail? Was there anything else that worked? How about Fire? or other Elemental magic?". When the others have told him the details of the fight, he starts making note in his notebook murmuring [b]"Hmm interesting, I think I need to find out more first. And do e few experiments. Lots of experiments!" His eyes light up at the idea of much more experiments and he retreats to his room.
"Elliander's sword was able to hurt it, a little. But just like when you try to pound a zombie with a mace and it seems to shrug off, or ignore some of the pounding.... But Hasina's flail bit through the creature's weapon resistance. I had cast a spell that summoned a dagger of force, a divine weapon. But I couldn't get it through the creature's armor so I don't know if it would have been effective...."
Oathday, the 29th day of Gozran, 4714 AR
Weather is mostly clear and very warm, with gusty winds coming from the north.
3 hours after sunrise
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The morning finds another day of deceptively peaceful weather, though the City of Wati is still under siege with no signs of letting up. Though concerned when the halfling Emilia fails to show up in the morning, the group leave word of their intended whereabouts with the trustworthy Farhaan, hoping the bard will find a way to catch up with them somehow. Making their way back to the old brickworks factory in the seedy harbor district known as The Veins, the adventurers find that a number of folk have literally boarded themselves into their homes, and the occasional bodies of those that had dared to run an errand litter the streets here and there. In addition, signs of Nakht’s outsiders are spotted as well when the party runs across a particularly grisly scene involving a number of undead torn to pieces and the remains of a pair of large psychopomps similar to the mastiff-like creatures they had fought against yesterday. But there are also several dead civilians near the site as well, whether victims of the undead or innocent casualties of their battle with the outsiders is difficult to determine.
Arriving at the abandoned headquarters of the Silver Chain, the group makes their way through the still-empty tunnels and chambers, arriving at the loading dock where the subterranean canal runs toward a canal some fifty yards away to the west. However, true to Ptemenib’s suspicions, a concealed tunnel hidden by some timber shoring is located on the north wall about about 60 feet down the passage. Though the entry is low enough that the heroes (with the exception of Rediz) are forced to stoop down to get through, the passage opens up into a roughly five-foot wide tunnel with a ceiling just a shade over six feet in height. This cramped corridor winds along for what seems to be a quarter mile or so before ending in what appears to be an ancient crypt of some kind. The tomb itself is built of stone, the tunnel having been built in a corner where the masonry has been heavily damaged. Natural sunlight streams into the crypt from above, where the stonework has partially collapsed about eight feet up to reveal the sky above. The party can see that shallow alcoves line each wall of the winding tomb, stacked high with artfully arranged human bones and skulls.
A pair of heavy wooden ladders lie near the tunnel, obviously well-used by the tomb-robbing members of the Silver Chain in order to access the street where this section of the crypt apparently collapsed many years ago.
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After a night of restless sleep Rediz is woken up by the sound of Francis knocking on the doors of the others. He takes time to put on his new set of armour and his bandoliers and carefully loads all his ingrediences in his various pockets and bags.
Its always exciting to start working together with a new group of agents. Of course he had worked with Soumral for a few weeks already, but the others were all completely unknown. They looked very competent, but on the other hand that had been an awful lot of names for just 2 days of adventure. Maybe the situation was much more dangerous than most of his earlier missions. Soumral and he had written an short report to the Venture Captain in case something happened today, but he probably should add a longer report once the situation was clearer.
With a last look at his treasured copy of the Journals of Fafahz Rediz stepped outside to join the group.
Later on the streets the City was heavily steeped in an atmosphere of fear. The few people who were out in the open, hurriedly rushed back to the perceived safety of their home. "That will get much worse when we don't manage to find that KA-Pulse today"
When the group reaches the silver chains hideout Rediz tries to soak up as much information as possible while he follows the others. When the group passes the boarded up Laboratory, he raises his nose and takes in the smell of the gas. "When we come back tonite in one pieth, could you help me getting in there? I would really like to hafe a look at that plath."
But this is not the time for personal sideactivities, so he steps into the new tunnel and moves cautiously toward the Necropolis. After a few minutes they reach a crypt and Rediz lets his eyes wander around the room.
"So what now? I could sneak upstairs to check if anybody is about."
The sharp-eyed (and sharp-nosed) Rediz finds a large nest of snakes nesting in one of the deep shelves containing bones and a few worthless-looking funerary items. They appear to be basking in the warmth of the sun that leaks down into this subterranean chamber from above. They are easily avoided, but had the adventurers gone poking around they could have been a nasty surprise indeed...
When the map is brought forward, Elliander tries to identify where the inn is and possibly where the hangout of the Silver Chain gang is located. If he cannot judge it by himself, he will ask the others to assist him.* He does not have as much local knowledge as the others appear to have and wants to be filled in in case they get separated. He also takes part in the planning and preparation of the task that awaits them tomorrow, before retiring for some rest. He has a feeling they are going to need what advantages they can get when they venture into the Necropolis in the morning.
The next day, after having had a chance to rest and recharge his healing belt and magic crystal plus a light breakfast, Elliander makes a mental exercise checking his memory for his spells silently, getting ready to head out.
Outside they can see traces of the struggles that have occurred during the night as they advance closer to the part of the town dedicated to the dead. His sword seems to be in a mood full of expectancy, slightly humming, but the duskblade keeps looking around for danger. The others seem to have accepted him as some kind of frontline fighter, but he is not that confident. He keeps walking among the first of the team together with Hasina though, only letting the strange rat-like creature step forward to sniff out narrow passages and other places likely to be trapped. Elliander cannot see well in the dark and relies on the keen eyes of others to detect what might be lurking in the shadows once they reach the tunnel leading into Necropolis. Some light reaches down to them through holes in the ground and he listens carefully for danger or movement both ahead and above him. He wonders how many undead might be walking outside. Judging by the short contact he had with the Silver Chain gang before being rescued, the grave robbers had not shown signs of closing down their operation, so hopefully this passage has been cleared.
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When Rediz sees Elliander trying to get his bearings in this alien city he seeks to gelp him. "With all narrow streets and gaps its quite easy to lose once's bearing I think. But this how I remember it. To get back to the Inn you walk from the main gate of the necropolis towards the city center and then turn right into the first alley and then left at the second. And voilá the Tooth and Hookah and as much wine as a rat can drink."
"To reach the veins, where the Silver Chain where located, you follow the Wall as the shadow moves around a sundial until you reach the river. Here are multiple smaller and larger Island and Francis told me it is on one of them."
Elliander tries to follow where Rediz is pointing at the map, getting his bearings. ”Thank you. River to the north. Yes, that is about right.” he responds to the explanation, tilting his head slightly to get the map right.
In the tunnel they soon reach a chamber with two ladders on the ground. Likely, the ladders are used to climb up to the ground above. Elliander looks up at the hole letting light in and once around him. He then casts a cantrip spell to see what might lie hidden from their eyes, even his magically enhanced eyes.
Elliander would know how to use his ‘Eyes of the Eagle' lenses. (+5 competence bonus on Perception checks.) He would at least have them on when he is carefully looking around expecting traps or enemies. Is there any drawback to having them on all the time? E.g. would he need to take them off if swimming under water?
Francis watches the group as they get ready for entry into the Silver Chains gang hideout, and the plan to enter the Necropolis from there. Personally he finds the idea of a hidden way in to be just more danger to the city. Perhaps after they finish he would discuss closing it with the temple. Or would it be better to post a hidden guard? That's all for later though. At the moment, it makes their job easier.
He notes the ease at which Rediz spots the snake trap. Such skills were vital to the success of the team going forward.
Once they reach the gang hideout they do a quick check to be sure that no new dangers have moved in, then try to fond the path that the gang used into the Necropolis. "Those of us that are armored won't be stealthy, but Rediz, perhaps you could join Hasina in the lead? Unless you'd prefer taking Hasina's place Elliander? I think we need our best eyes in the front to spot and react to any dangers quickly. The gang may have trapped the path just in case anyone took this place from them, like we did...."
"Good point. Single file Hasina can take position right behind Elliander, and when something dangerous approaches they can let you get behind them."
He grins as he glances around at the group, "If everyone's ready, let's see where we are! Weapons ready?"