"I actually like the heat, it keeps me warm." Zariya says, though she's a bit sweaty from her heavy armor.
She leans back against the wall next to Varisia. "I like your idea a lot. Though it might be a decent idea to figure out how we should all work together first, instead of doing that tomorrow."
She waves her polearm slightly and smiles. "You all have probably figured out some of what I can do already, hit things hard with my Fauchard. Stand behind me and I'll protect you. Though my teacher taught me a neat trick to leave opening to someone fighting together with me. If one of you stand next to me, I might just give you the opportunity for an extra attack."
"Outside of combat..." She drags on it. "My eyes are really sharp and I can see reasonably well in the dark. That together with the combined protection of my armor, reflexes and my goddess probably means it's not the worst idea to have me lead our entourage into the tomb."
What you find regarding Akhentepi:
He was a noble that lived before the Great Plauge devastated Wati. Akhentepi was also known to be a noble who was a captain in the Pharaoh's army, and favored chariot races and willing women as his chosen pastimes. Like all good Osiriani, he loved cats, and as per normal burial tradition, he was mummified, his slaves were killed and buried with him, as well as his cats which were mummified to serve as guardians in the afterlife. Also, like all good Osiriani, his most valued possessions would have been buried with him to appear in the afterlife. No noble should go before Ma'at (an ancient name and form of Phasrama, perhaps? You are unsure unless you make Knowledge Religion checks) without their goods from their first life. As to the mention of guardians, all noble or wealthy people of status in Osirion regularly built deathtraps and guardian creatures that could resist the ravages of time into their tombs.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maat
Good background information. Essentially Ma'at is the principle of cosmic harmony in both the normal life and afterlife of all Osiriani. She is also the goddess of law, order, truth, planetary movement, and justice. When an Osiriani reaches the Boneyard, Ma'at is there there to judge the weight of his or her heart. If it weighs more then the blue feather that adorns her heads, then the soul is devoured by the goddess Ammit and condemmed for eternity to the Duat, or that portion of the Boneyard allocated to the Osiriani pantheon. If not, then the soul can pass on to their reward in paradise.
When everyone starts talking about their talents Arasmes smiles again and says Well, I'll let Lorn tell you about my "talents" later but I'm not sure that's what you mean. As far as would be useful for infiltrating a tomb, I am able to pull and create creatures from the natural shadowstuff between realms to fight for us and to use to spring traps and the like. I am also skilled in the use of arcane magic.
In addition, Caliphana is effectively immortal and merely returns to the shadow realm of thought, should she be destroyed. I can then resummon her at a later time. She is an excellent scout with extraordinary senses so perhaps it would be best if you led the main group Zariya...but allowed Caliphana to be our scout.
Varisia listens carefully and then smiles and shakes his head. 'While I appreciate everyone's bravery' he looks to Zaryia, 'and willingness to sacrifice their minions,' he nods towards Arasmes 'one of the rules of this whole undertaking is Every Slave's Hut is a Memorial. Any one of these sites could be brought down by a sneeze not to mention any nasty surprises the former residents may have left behind. My knowledge and experience with ancient architecture I know what to look for when it comes to possible hazards and anything generally out of place. Combine that with my ability to stay out of sight I'd almost insist I be allowed to take the lead while exploring any structures we come across.' Varisia pauses for a moment hoping he didn't come across as arrogant
'Plus, imagine being the first person inside a room undisturbed in almost 2000 years...'
She gave a knowing smirk at Lorn's talk of other talents. He was a passionate and resourceful lover.
Lorn's intense golden eyes travelled along the length of the one named Varisia as if assessing the claims of his particular skill and talents.
A warrior's worth was more than who would lead the hunt. And action would reveal the merit of a warrior.
"I am quieter of foot. My eyes are more keen and I have lived among ruins and know how to pass through them and find their secret passages. I fight with bow, so I cover from the rear with ease and skill, as the enemy does not always approach from a single direction. I can move through the desert as surely as I move through the jungle, so I can scout. I have a little magic, a blessing from Ketephys, the Elven God of the Hunt, and I may take on an aspect of certain beasts to reinforce my natural abilities."
Gesturing to her loyal Anklyosaur,
"Ravi's thick, plated hide is a boon. He strikes with his tail for it is a club ready to crush the bones of the enemy. He uses scent to discover the enemy. He is still young, yet he will stand unyielding in battle."
Activating snark mode: Wait, PCs actually researching the dangers before entering into a tomb of certain death? What is this world coming to?
@Jandar-Kai Are you going to speak with the acolytes/representatives of Phasrama, the adventurers, or both?
Jandar-Ki followed the groups of adventurers and their groupies to a local inn called the Tooth and Hookah. Inside was a welcome coolness from the still stifling hot night. The sign outside the bar shows a crocodile wearing the traditional headdress of the Osirion Pharaoh smoking a hookah. Inside, low tables surrounded by pillows and containing a water pipe fight for space with counters of bracelets, wispy scarves, books, blades, and people. Lit candles hang from the ceiling, some giving off a spicy incense that contrasts with the sweet smell of tobacco, pesh, and more exotic flavors.
Immediately Jandar notices 5 or 6 varying groups of both Osiriani and foreign adventurers sitting or mingling with the crowd.
1) A group of 4 halflings each with a war dog laying by their side. They appear to be rangers or hunters, or perhaps even cavaliers that rely on their dogs and their keen senses to alert them to danger
2)A group from the Inner Sea, made up of 4 humans, ranging from a Nexian to a bravo from Abasalom. They don't seem very wary.
3)An all female adventuring group lead by an Ulfen. They are 5 strong, ranging from a pair of twin Osiriani festooned with charms to a what appears to be a priest of Iomedae.
4)A mixed group of male and female personages of dubious moral value (aka rogues and an alchemist). They appear to be EXTREMELY wary, and are casing the inn.
5) A group of various male and female half-elves and humans from Osirion and beyond. They prominently display the symbol of Nethys, the god of magic, in various locations on each member.
6) Far in the back, you see a bizzare group of humans whispering something about a dial-home device and a gate to the stars. They seem to be carrying odd weapons and uniforms. http://www.gateworld.net/gallery/albums/sg1_season7/705-Revisions/screencap s/sg1_705_190.JPG
Just do an image search for SG-1.
"Sounds like we have quite a few sharp eyes in the group. That's good. These tombs could be infested with traps and another pair of eyes is always helpful. Coming back from the dead sounds like an incredibly useful ability for a scout. Varisia, I don't doubt your knowledge, but I would be loath to lose you if you go scouting and get unlucky enough to miss a trap. Everyone can get unlucky from time to time. Maybe you can pass your knowledge to Caliphana so he doesn't ruin anything while still remaining safe?"
Zariya follows Jandar-Ki Naïlo along with the others to the Tooth and Hookah. "Let's stick together while we can. We aren't facing the dangers of the tombs yet, but there are sure to be a number of people here taking opportunity of anything they can and we should be safer as a group. Besides, each of us might be able to learn things were the other couldn't."
She looks over the various groups scattered around the inn and smiles. Real adventuring groups. It's so nice to see them in real life rather than just in stories. I'm sure the novelty will fade in time, but for now, let's enjoy it.
Zariya approaches the all female group with a smile. "Greetings sisters! What were your luck of the draw? Seems like quite the diverse groups have gathered here. Are you from around here?" She nods towards the Osiriani. "If so, maybe you got an idea of what's in the tombs?"
The red-haired Ulfen warrior stands. She is 6'2, 180 lbs, all solid muscle, but pale skin covered by a slowly fading sunburn seems to lessen her threat a bit. She is clad in lighter armor, a bizzare sort of hide that you're not familiar with, and carries a pair of hand axes on her hips, along with a rack of javelins and an atlatl. "What luck indeed, sister! We have been selected to explore the home of a wealthy pawnbroker. As for what is in the tombs, death and creatures that last against the ages. It will make for good material in my upcoming saga of the heated lands in the south. What of you and your fine fellows? Did you draw well or poorly in Phasrama's gambit?"
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Jandar-Ki pauses in the entrance for a moment as he allows his eyes to adjust to the dim interior of the Tooth and Hookah. Thankful for the cooling shelter, he slowly maneuvers his way inside, eyes scanning the low tables and brass trinkets for an indication of a proprietor. Not finding one, he makes his way to the table of four humans. Radiating charm, "Hail fellows! Do you mind if I join you?" Jandar-ki asks and quickly yet nonchalantly sits down on a purple silken pillow with the grace of a cat. "It's certainly a hot one today. I don't see how people can trade the stifling heat for the cloying haze of smoke, but then again I just arrived. By your dress, I would say the same for the rest of you. Have you been in town long? I noticed that your group was also at the lottery this morning," says Jandar-Ki, his head turning and arm waving to signal for a drink before completing his banter.
Varisia takes a look around the Tooth and Hookah savoring the exotic, at least to him, feel of the place. He takes a deep lungful of the hazy air. The Archaeologist scans the room for any games of chance that may be accepting new players with the coin to play on.
"A noble and a general, that counts as good luck I hope. I'm Zariya, who are you all?" Zariya says as she studies the members of the group, trying to figure out the skills of each of them. She's trying to appear relaxed and welcoming to get in their good graces. "You two seem like you might be from not too far away, is that correct? Maybe you could share some rumors or tips of the city?"
Lorn looked up at the sign proclaiming the name of the modest inn and her eyes caught the image of the crocodile in the headdress and she could not help but shake her head at the foolishness. Her golden eyes strayed to Ravi by her side and then to the noisy interior. When Jandar-Ki had opened the doors, she had quickly glanced within. They will not accept Ravi inside for there is little space for a creature such as he. The night was sultry, and, she cast her eyes about, looking for a stable where Ravi could spend the night. She would fill her bowl with water and leave some feed for the Ankylosaur once she determined his resting place. Looking to Arasmes on her other side, "I must find a place for Ravi to eat and rest, as this inn does not look like it will accept animal occupants. I would settle him first and then enter with you." I would rather rest in the stable with Ravi than such a place as this. Making small talk with strangers was not to her taste, for she lacked delicacy. Yet, for Arasmes' sake, and those of her companions, she would enter, watch and listen.
Arasmes puts his strong arm around Lorn's waist and says Hmm...the Tooth and Hookah. Perhaps they could come up with a name that is a bit more obvious but I'm not sure how. Cali can watch over Ravi while we socialize if you wish my love. Also, who knows what they will accept unless we ask. He pauses for a second before clarifying with ...and when I say "we" you understand that I am meaning "me" right? Winking at you he enters the inn, drawing you gently with him while Cali turns her gaze to Ravi.
Arasmes approaches the innkeeper and says Assalamu alaykum, I require one room for the night and accommodations for my lady's companion. He is somewhat exotic but would do fine in your stables or if you allow, he can stay in the room with us. I am willing to pay extra for the inconvenience of his nature.
The night was sultry - its heat holding tightly to the landscape.
Lorn felt Arasmes' touch and listened to his words. With a firm nod, she accepted his counsel in leaving Cali with Ravi. She drew a little away from him before pulling out a wooden bowl from her pack and filling it with water for Ravi. Cali did not need such sustenance.
Returning to Arasmes' side, at the threshold of the Tooth and Hookah, she replied "Yes, you speak your pretty words, habibi."
She entered the inn, confidently by the side of her mate. Lorn listened as Arasmes spoke to the innkeeper, and waited for the reply.
As she waited, Lorn's eyes scanned the interior, making note of anything interesting, suspicious or noteworthy.
@Jandar-Kai A human in studded leather armor looks at you somewhat crossly and says "I don't know, sir. Do you have anything to offer us to allow you to drink? After all we ARE the Cryptfinders," "Falto, don't be so rude to a inquiring guest," say another man who bears the arcane symbols of a summoner trained in Nex. A small black python curls around his neck, and another sits on the table in front of him, watching the newcomer warily. The other two humans, a man in plate mail sweating profusely, and a man wearing chain mail and carrying a longsword which as the symbol of a sunburst as the pommel, sit quietly and seem to let Falto lead the conversation.
@Zariya The two Osiriani are definitely witches or occultists. No one else, not even a super religious zealot would wear that many charms. The Ulfen women seems to be a warrior of some sort, though she does bear a book on her other hip and a writing quill sticks out of it, as though marking a page. Another is a cleric of Iomedae. Given how close the Redeemer and the Noble Guardian faiths are close to each other, there's no mistaking that wooden symbol. The last appears to be a barbarian from the desert, somewhat reminding you of Lorn but human and more muscled in appearance. She seems to be wrapped in traditional desert clothing, carrying a double bladed scimitar and a composite longbow with a quiver of arrows and the slight glint of flame playing around her.
The Ulfen woman introduces herself and her crew as the Daughters of the Desert. Her name is Sigrun Firehair, and she has come to the south for the inspiration of adventure and the potential payoff of raiding tombs that haven't seen the light of day in thousands of years. "After all, who says you can't get rich while having a grand adventure. It worked for that shady halfling in Taldor after all. Mr Underhill indeed!."
@Varisia. Sadly, there appear to be no games of chance going on in the Tooth and Hooka. However, there are plenty of water pipes to be smoked, and several veiled women and men wander with drinks or platters of food should you care to partake. You also notice that the bar has rooms upstairs for rent, so you may have found a decent inn.
@Lorn and Arasmes. You quickly find a barkeep who appears to be serving drinks as fast as his veiled wait staff can pick them up. Adventuring appears to be good business. He states "That will be 6 sp a day for stabling and feed. If you wish to stay yourselves, that will be 4 gp per day for the both of you in a fine room with a bath and two beds, 1 gp for a decent room with no bath and one bed, or 4 sp for sleeping in the common room, or 2 sp for sleeping with the animals in the stable. Meals and other sundries are included. Should you want further company, you will have to negotiate with the wait staff and make your own arrangements. We of Tooth and Hookah Enterprises can't be held liable for any lost possessions, lost virtue, deadly outbreaks of religion induced violence, or the contribution to the delinquency of minors not in their parent's care or supervision. Did you have any other requests, ?"
@Lorn Other then the groups above and your fellow party members that have arrived, it's a decent inn filled with adventurers, locals, the curious, and those who seek to save their souls via Cayden Calien's finest water. One thing does catch your eye, however. There appears to be no one from the church of Phasrama here keeping an eye on the adventuring groups. Surely someone would have thought to keep track of such stalwarts as yourself. Also, you notice that Zohreh appears to be missing.,,
Arasmes listens to the barkeep list his services and says We shall take a room with a bath definitely. I would like to scrub the road from my face. I feel like I am more sand than person right now. First however, I think food and wine are in order. Would you send one of your lovely maids over to take our order to that table over there? He then points to the table with the Humans and Half-elves with the symbol of Nethys upon their clothing. Approaching the table he says, May we join your table? I am Arasmes ibn'Fayad and this stunning creature is my reason for living, Lorn of the Alijae. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance and if you will permit me to buy you a round of drinks, it would honor me.
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@Jandar-Kai A human in studded leather armor looks at you somewhat crossly and says "I don't know, sir. Do you have anything to offer us to allow you to drink? After all we ARE the Cryptfinders," "Falto, don't be so rude to a inquiring guest," say another man who bears the arcane symbols of a summoner trained in Nex. A small black python curls around his neck, and another sits on the table in front of him, watching the newcomer warily. The other two humans, a man in plate mail sweating profusely, and a man wearing chain mail and carrying a longsword which as the symbol of a sunburst as the pommel, sit quietly and seem to let Falto lead the conversation.
"You're the Crossfinders? Well, I guess that's an adequate selection," replies Jandar-ki with a cheshire grin. Glancing at the sweaty sheen of the armored knight, he signals for another beverage and points to the perspiring one. "You look like you can use it, friend. Tomorrow is a busy day. Dehydration shouldn't be taken lightly. It fatigues the arm and dulls the mind - and you'll need your wits about you to stay safe among the crypts."
"I'm Jandar-Ki, by the way. Do you mind sharing your name and story as well Nexian?" inquires Jandar-Ki with a slight nod of his glass before taking an appreciative sip of the cool liquid.
Varisia walks over to the bar and leans an elbow against it. He turns his head toward the bartender and, after catching his eye, orders 'Water, cold if you can manage it.' He turns back to room and watches the other patrons. Once served he quickly gulps down half the glass, then removes his hat and pours the rest over his head, savoring the brief relief from the heat. He catches the bartender's eye and motions for another and turns back towards the room.
Lorn heard Arasmes ask for the room with the bath. It did not surprise her for he was a man of fine tastes and enjoyed such luxuries. She was not readily accustomed to fine conveniences, yet she did not make complaint if it meant they could bathe each other in privacy, enjoying the pleasures afforded to them by the convenience.
When her mate asked for wine, she lifted her hand to stay the barkeep. "A jug of cool water for the table, if you please."
When Arasmes pulled her toward the table with the Humans and Half-Elves, she whispered to him, "Strange that the Pharasmins are not here to watch over us. Strange, too, that the one called Zohreh is not with us."
Upon his introduction of her, Lorn inclined her head to the group and waited for their reply to Arasmes' bid to join them.
@Arasmes. There are two men and two woman, one of who is a half elf in this group. One of the women, who looks like this https://www.pinterest.com/pin/266416134183033659/ (first image on the left) says to him "Wine or water would be welcome. I am Velrania Hypaxes, leader of the Scorched Hand. She points at the half-elf. This is Idorii, our hired guide and guardian in these unfamiliar lands. (http://orig03.deviantart.net/32e5/f/2015/027/e/8/idorii_by_katemaxpaint-d8 fld7l.jpg for Idori). The other two are Khelru and Azaz. (Azaz http://orig07.deviantart.net/68c7/f/2015/020/0/4/azaz_arafe_by_katemaxpaint -d8epdyk.jpg) (Khelru http://www.deviantart.com/art/Khelru-508429313). We are worshippers of Nethys, the two faced god of magic. Our assignment is not to our tastes, but perhaps we will find something there .that will leads us to present goal. Have you, perchance, or your mate heard of something called the Sanctum of the Erudite Eye?" (Note: IMPORTANT NPCS here)
@Varisia More cold water quickly appears on your table, along with a pitcher that appears, strangely enough, to be filled with ice. This place must have or be magic? Blessed by the water elementals that are rumored to fight against the fire and earth elementals in the desert to the west at the coast? Wadjet's bounty? A magic icebox? Surely such a thing couldn't exist here....
Side note: It is about 9:00 pm at night, and the temperature is 78 degrees or so. Also it is the sixth of Wealday in the month of Gozran Ar 4714(aka April 6th, 2014). Wati is also near the River Sphinx, so it's slightly humid, but not dry as parts further away from the coast or the river are.
@Jandar-Kai The Nexian doesn't say anything, but both of his pythons turn to look at you and say in unison, "We are Pazeres." The man in plate mail thanks Jandar for the drink and says, "We're the CRYPTfinders, not the Crossfinders. I am Alestor Bonhomme, late of Cheliax. Where do you hail from, stranger?"
Zohreh hurries in, hoping that this inn will be the one holding her companions. She had spent the day seeking the counsel of those at the church of Shelyn, though their advice had been more philosophical than practical. Also, church of beauty or not, she was not sure the makeover had been necessary...
Scanning the room, she is relieved to see her companions scattered about. She waves at them and pauses for a moment, wondering where to sit.
Strength in numbers, she thinks, and heads towards Arasmes and Lorn, apologizing for her absence.
"Sanctum of the Erudite Eye?" she asks, catching the tail end of the conversation. "What's that?"
Varisia keeps an eye out for any and all magic iceboxes. He knows such things are good to keep an eye on in case of disaster.
Varisia gets the attention of the barkeep
'Where do you get such a steady supply of ice in a place like this?'
@Zohreh Velriana looks at the newcomer, sniffs, and says "It is an ancient temple of our lord Nethys. We seek it so that we may gain knowledge and be blessed in his name. Do you know of it?.
@Varisia Your keen eyes fail to spot any magical iceboxes, though the bar would make a good shield in case of enemy attack. The bartender says to you Oh! It is one of the latest inventions from the All-Seeing Eye of Nethys and Ra! We call it the Chill of Maat. It's a combination food storage/preservation device and a water dispenser all in one! The Ra-Nethys priest who installed it said it uses a combination of chill and heat metal combined with create water and purify food and drink to keep food inside pure and cold or warm as you choose! It even comes with its own continual flame stone so you can see inside when you get food out. I hear they're even building more portable versions combined with dimensional spaces, or even interlinked demiplanes. Ptah himself would be envious!
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@Jandar-Kai The Nexian doesn't say anything, but both of his pythons turn to look at you and say in unison, "We are Pazeres." The man in plate mail thanks Jandar for the drink and says, "We're the CRYPTfinders, not the Crossfinders. I am Alestor Bonhomme, late of Cheliax. Where do you hail from, stranger?"
"Absalom. So what brings you to Wati? Are the Houses of Cheliax searching for something in particular?"
Zohreh pauses for a moment to ask for guidance from Shelyn before wracking her brain for any information.
@Jandar-Ki Alestor responds [b]"I'm not associated with any Houses of Cheliax. Falto collected us from various places on the way to Wati, and we're keen to enter the Necropolis and gain some treasure. Fortune favors the prepared and the bold after all. What about you? Are you here for business, pleasure, tomb raiding, or just slumming?"[/bold]
@Zohreh As you pray for guidance from Shelyn, the smell of lotus, papyrus, and poppy flowers springs up from around you. The smell seems to stimulate your sense, and you get a sense that the Sanctum of the Erudite Eye is a holy place somewhere in the Necropolis to Nethys. In ancient times he was the god of magic that aided the Osiriani in expanding its empire over Northern Garund. In many cases, he is held in as in high esteem as the ancient pantheon was before the arrival of the more modern deities from Avistan and places further east. Given the dual faced nature of Nethys, his places would be both places of great reward and great risk.
Arasmes nods and says I am unfamiliar with the Sanctum of the Erudite Eye but I wish you luck in your quest. If we find something that points in that direction I will attempt to contact you.
"You may yet find what you are looking for; now that you have described it to me, I recall that it is supposed to be somewhere in the Necropolis." She glances at her companions, eager to share the potential for riches and rewards, but the scent of her goddess is still in the air. "It is likely to be dangerous," she warns the other adventurers with some reluctance.
Her duty done, she is ready to see about arranging her lodging for the night. The common room is good enough for her, but she asks Arasmes and Lorn, who she assumes want a private room, "Could I store my gear in your room? I don't want to court thieves."
She can sleep in her armor, as she's done before, and keep her dagger on her in case of trouble.
They will be sharing gear soon enough. She has to start learning to trust them now.
Varisia eventually finishes re-hydrating himself and rents a single bed, no bath room.
@Arasmes and Zohreh Velriana and the rest of the Scorched Hand wish you luck in your exploration of the tombs. They thank you for confirming the Sanctum of the Sacred Eye lies in the Necropolis. They seem to go back to their discussion over the Sanctum and what other preparations they need to make for their target.
@Varisia you get a single bed for 3 gp with no bath.
Everyone gets 200 xp for investigating the competition and learning about the Sanctum of the Sacred Eye.
Arasmes nods at Zohreh's request and says Of course. It's the third room on the right after the stairs. Don't touch any of Lorn's things however, unless you want to lose a hand that is. Winking, he then hands Zohreh the key.
Zohreh stows away her equipment, returns the key, and then readies herself to sleep in the common room, but sleep does not come for a long time. This time tomorrow, who knows where she will be laying her head; it will be an adventure like no other. Her mind drifts to her dreams. It will be interesting to see how they compare to the real experience.
Though she is surrounded by many others in the common room, it feels very alone not having her caravan around her. Her teammates will have to be her tribe now. She is not an easy person to get to know, but for the sake of the group of adventurers she has gathered, she must put herself out there.
She falls asleep with the tombs on her mind once more.
The morning breaks (CRASH!). A cock crows (MOOO! MOO! MOOO!). Day has come to the city of Wati, and shines through your window. It will be time to enter the Necropolis in 2 hours (9:00 am). Any actions to declare before you set upon your death, I mean adventure?
Though Zohreh has slept restlessly, the common room becomes a hive of activity as soon as the cock crows. She is forced to awaken with everyone else, though she waits until seeing Arasmes or Lorn surface before reclaming her gear.
At breakfast, she shoves spoonfuls of a thick gruel, the kind where a spoon stands upright, into her mouth without paying any attention to the food. She casts her thoughts towards Shelyn as she eats, praying for the powers of protection and strength that she anticipates needing.
Her bowl is finished faster than she expects, and she stands up and takes a deep breath. It's time.
Varisia eats his breakfast slowly, savoring the cool morning air. As he sees his companions gathering and checking equipment he reluctantly heads upstairs and gathers his things from his room.
He waits at a table near the door until everyone else is ready and joins them with a nod on the way to their first assignment.
After checking on Ravi and Cali, and seeing they were settled for the night, Lorn had retired early with Arasmes and spent some time alone with him, on other more pleasurable pursuits. Afterward, she had called for warm water to be brought up and bathed, as the morning would come too soon and with it the responsibilities of the tombs.
Waking in the morning to the sunlight streaming through the window made Lorn forget for a moment the importance of the day. But within seconds, the moment had passed, and as the cock crowed, she kissed Arasmes awake and moved from the bed to conduct her morning ablutions and ready herself to meet the others in the dining hall. She collected her things and watched as Arasmes readied himself. Opening the door, she called to Zohreh, "You may collect your belongings, priestess", before descending and taking some food to break her fast. She did not dally long over her food for she had to check on Ravi and Cali and ensure her animal companion was fed and readied. Once they were settled, Lorn returned to the the others and completed her preparations.
Arasmes wakes and stretches, returning the kiss with a smile. Ready to head into certain death and destruction my dear? He then gets ready and heads down to eat, yawning as he goes. He gets strong tea and a plate of assorted fruit to break his fast. Seeing Lorn anxious to head out he hurries as well to go with her.