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The halfling regains some assurance as the conversation moves on.
"Me? Why, I'm Naleth Hundredfingers, the leader of the Hundredfingers gang. Don't tell me you haven't heard of us?"
He shrugs. "Anyway, if you don't believe me, simply give the scarred man this message: "The Red Mantis is searching Eto for a scarred man.". I doubt that lass was alone in her endeavor."
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Chasik, will clean his hammer, the stow it away. He looks at the carnage inflicted, and lets out a sigh at the sate of the woman, laying her pool of blood. He knows that she was out to get them, but it never gets any easier seeing people make foolish decisions that cost their lives. I always hope that humanity will get better, but evil is everywhere, and knows no bounds
Chasik, glares at the "leader" of the gang, and lets him know that he has any ideas of double-crossing them, he should think differently.
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Your return to the house of the White Uraeus is much expected. Grandmaster Torch is -as ever- soothing his burns in his bathtub, watched closely by his massive half-orc bodyguards. A wicked grin adorns his face when he sees you return.
"I've heard that you have made some progress in the tasks I gave you. Do tell, I can't wait to hearing your tale."
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Upon their return to Torch, Ardisens porter hands Torch the magic rod from the artifact collection. However, under Ardisens instuction he keeps hold of the other items as the note specified the rod.
Ardisen then relays all the information from the tasks to the Grandmaster, 'forgetting' to mention that Madam Zelekhati intends to choice feed Torch information. The enchanter finishes with his trademark smile and a curt bow.
"I trust that is all to your satisfaction?"
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Torch nods, admiring the rod for a second before he hands it out to one of his muscular bodyguards. His eyes turn to you for a second, as if they attempted to unveil your deepest secrets.
"It appears you have done well. Fine, I'll honor my part of the bargain. Here are several ancient maps that will help you find the Diamond Sage."
You are giving old, dusty maps rolled together in a sturdy leather case. One is a map of Osirion, clearly marking Eto and an unnamed site to the north. The second map has a much smaller scale and marks the route between Eto and the mystery location. The last sheet has a charcoal drawing that depicts two large rock outcroppings connected by a smooth wall with a single gate. It is entitled “Seeker’s Folly” and signed “V.L.”
Grandmaster Torch further explains, “Those will take you where you want to go. Deviate from the path only if you know what you’re doing. Otherwise, stick to the landmarks.” He pauses to consider another thought. “Normally this is where I would say ‘pleasure doing business with you.’ However,” he adds with a grisly grin, “I’m going to throw you something extra for free—just because I’m such a caring individual. You’re not the only ones who know about that site. I hear a group of foreigners set out from Totra not too long ago and are after the same prize. Sounds like there’s no time to waste.”
As you are leaving, Torch makes a last snide comment. "How clever of you to try and turn the tables with Madame Zelekhati. I fear her fate will be most dire if she tries to enact your common plans. Never try to cross me again, for you might regret it."
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A new day dawns in the Osirian trade city of Eto only hours following the meeting with Grandmaster Torch. In exchange for a handful of services, he delivered several maps and sketches of landmarks that collectively point the way to the last known resting place of one or more sage jewels—enchanted gems capable of storing memories of Osirion’s past and reviving the Sapphire Sage Amenopheus’s order. “Those will take you where you want to go,” Torch declared while handing over the maps. “Deviate from the path if you know what you’re doing.” As an afterthought, he added, “You’re not the only ones who know about that site. I hear a group of foreigners set out from Totra not too long ago and are after the same prize. Sounds like there’s no time to waste.”
After a well-earned rest, you find yourselves in need of quick supplies before you leave. It is also the opportunity to learn about the dangers ahead.
Lastly, Amennekht still has in his possession half of a weathered geode, a magical sending stone you can use to contact Amenopheus. When he gave it to Amennekht, he informed the dervish that it can transmit a message of several dozen words, to which he can then respond, but the stones will only work once; he requested that you only use it when they have found one of the sage jewels.
Grandmaster Torch also gave you two maps of Osirion and a charcoal drawing. The first map clearly marks Eto and an unnamed site to the north. The second map has a much smaller scale and illustrates a winding route marked with many landmarks between Eto and the mystery location, though it’s clear that traveling in a straight line would be a faster, if more difficult, trip. An oasis is marked on this map near the final destination, and notes describe a marker stone nearby whose shadow at sunset points toward the ruins. The charcoal drawing depicts two large rock outcroppings connected by a smooth wall with a single gate. The drawing is entitled “Seeker’s Folly” and signed “V.L.”
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Ignatius is able to find some folks familiar with the area. "They were able to give me some advicefor traversing the desert." He shares all of what he learns.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Ignatius hunts down a vendor selling potions and stocks up on potions of endure elements.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Quarr hears the same information about the gnolls that Chasik does. {b]If we are to be traveling the hot deserts it would be a good idea for us to travel accordingly[/b] as he produces a wand. This will help take the heat from our bodies to travel a bit more comfortably. If there are others I am fine with taking the "shortcut" as long as someone here knows how to find the path.
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"I feel fairly confident navigating the shortcut. I vote we take the direct route."
-Posted with Wayfinder
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"My friends, there are reason these routes were laid out as they are, but those of you who can read the sands as easily as a scroll are more than welcomed to guide us through the wastes. Most gracious Quarr, it is exceedingly kind of you to offer you wand for our safety and comfort. May you be blessed in the name of the Pharaoh, may he live forever."
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The Pathfinders, warded from the sun and guided by Buri and Ignatius's expertise, find their way quickly among the desert dunes, until they finally reach an oasis. The oasis shimmers like a sapphire in the midday heat. Life clings around its edges tenaciously, with only a few hardy plants nestled amid the rocks managing to survive in patches around the area. Finches bathe in the water, resting on an abandoned harness. Trash and castoffs from travelers litter the area, and a small brick hearth is the only permanent fixture.
Suddenly, shadows emerge from the sands. Hyena-headed humanoid creatures armed with spears.
Buri and Ignatius react quickly, while the rest of the Pathfinders are still trying to understand what's going on.
The creatures move out of their hiding places, snarling with evil intent.
Surprise round
LFG
>>> Ignatius
(Quarr)
(Chasik)
>>> Buri
(Amennekht)
(Ardisen)
Ignatius and Buri can act (standard action only)
Oasis map
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Buri and Ignatius get ready for battle, conjuring their powers to enhance their abilities.
The creatures move again and take cover, crouching behind sand dunes and palm trees, weapon at the ready.
Round 1
LFG (R)
>>> Ignatius
>>> Quarr
>>> Chasik
>>> Buri
>>> Amennekht
>>> Ardisen
Everyone can act!
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Chasik, sees Iggy move towards the threat. He will be damned if he lets the man head into battle on his own, but he sees Quarr go take cover. He thinks what to do for a moment, and decides to wade into battle as well, clanking in his army across the sand is annoying to say the least.
Chasik, runs to catch up with Iggy.