Demetrio grunts and tries once again to flail the undead monster to death with his staff.
We'll wait on Septimilius to roll his damage then I'll resolve the round. NOTE: Don't forget we re-draw initiative each round...so just to prepare yourselves for next round.
Mirian 5H
Septimilius JC
Barnabus 6H
Demetrio 6C
Mummy 2H
So...
Septimilius
Demetrio
Barnabus
Mirian
Mummy
Damage, if a hit 1d5+1d6
Damage
Round 2
Mummy> Mummy swings its club like appendage at Septimilius but fails to hit.
Demetrio Demetrios well timed strike catches the Mummy flat on it's chest, and sand begins to leak out...But the mummy somehow gathers itself, and stems the flow of sand.
Septimilius Septimilius's blow to the creatures leg causes it to buckle a bit, but it does not seem damaged.
Barnabus Barnabus shakes his head, and seeing his companions fighting for their lives, he draws on his deeply hidden stores of resolve, and moves forward to engage the frightful enemy. His sword slices through a few of the bandages, but only seems to anger the creature more.
Mirian Smiling at the Challenge, Mirian steps forward and swings her torch at the mummy. It shies away from the flame, but the determined pirate hits anyway, and for the first time the mummy hesitates.
6 mummy catches fire, 1 torch goes out.
But as she withdraws the torch it goes out leaving only Barnabus's torch lighting the room. Lighting is not dim till the torch is picked up.
Round 3
Septimilius
Otto
Demetrio
Barnabus
Mirian
Mummy (Shaken)
Otto 9D
Septimilius grunts in annoyance as his attacks do little against the creature. Time for something new, he thinks.
”Otto hold onto this for me,” he calls tossing his mace in the man’s general direction.
The bounty hunter pulls out his dagger, thinking, Maybe slicing the bandage wrappings will hurt it more.
Demetrio swings his staff around him in a showy flourish, leaps high and brings his staff crashing down on the mummy with all his might.
"Go back to the abyss!"
Otto picks up Barnabus's torch, and holds it high lighting the room, though he almost drops the torch, as Septimilius tosses his mace carelessly towards him.
"Hey watch out"! "I'm not the bad guy".
Dog remains whimpering in the corner.
Demetrio brings his staff down on the Mummy's shoulder nearly sending his head rolling off.
Barnabus is up, then Mirian...then the poor mummy.
Mirian curses when her torch goes out. She thrusts the rapier into the mummy then darts to Barnabus who's got the last remaining torch. "Help me light this again!"
Init : 6 of hearts
Barnabas calls out to Demetrio "Well struck....for a scholar!". Now that the fear has fallen away, he gets back to enjoying himself.
He snarls at Otto , "The lady needs a light, kindly oblige her!" then hurls himself at the mummy once more, hoping to distract it from Mirian "Ho! Here! Aren't I tasty looking !"
Fighting
Damge
Barnabus once again strikes the mummy, but the blow seems to have little effect.
Mirian however feels some strange resistance as her rapier plunges into the creature. Almost like hitting stone, and the mummy groans and staggers but remains on it's feet. If bandages could express rage, that's what you notice as it turns on the one who seems to be hurting it the most often.
The mummy staggers and swings it's tattered, burned arm at Mirian.
Spirit Roll
WD
But the arm falls from the beast held only by a thin layer of bandages.
[ooc]Man you guys wiped this thing out without it even hitting...
Round 4
Mirian QS
Septimilus QD
Barnabus KD
Demetrio 9S
Otto 6D
Mummy 4S
So...
Barnabus
Septimilius
Mirian
Demetrio
Otto
Mummy
First and foremost concerned with having some light to guide by Mirian tries to reignite her own torch with the one Otto’s holding. ”Come one, Otto, help me with this.”
The nearly severed arm proves too tempting a target. Septimilius thrusts his dagger towards the mummy’s shoulder, attempting to drive his own arm into the socket.
Barnabus> Awaiting action.
Septimilius> tries to drive his dagger into the mummy's vacated arm socket, but finds though he is able to stick the dagger precisely where he wanted to...he only encounters air, and does not damage the creature...
Mirian> Mirian disengages from the combat, and heads towards their portly cheerleader to relight her torch.
Demetrio> With a final primal scream, Demetrio once again brings down his Staff of Mummy Slaying in the same spot between the neck and shoulder that he damaged last time, finally removing the head of the mummy from it's body. The head begins to roll down the body, unwinding bandaging behind it as it hits the floor, unrolls, and finally stops with a pop against the tomb, revealing it's skeletal head. The jaws clack one final time, then the red light of undeath goes out of it's eye cavities.
Septimilius is barely able to withdraw his arm from the mummy before it collapses to the stone floor, a mass of bandages, dust, and cracked bone.
Dog quits whining and steps up to the skull smelling it and growling deep in his throat.
Fighting
Widl
Damage
Barnabas dances in and hacks at the apparition, but isn't surprised by his ineffectiveness. He watches in amazement as Demetrio commences to finish off the mummy in spectacular fashion.
As the creature falls in pieces, Barnabas says to his friend "Time to rethink our career choices, perhaps."clapping a hand on Demetrio's shoulder.
Demetrio breathes heavily once the mummy is finally destroyed. He chuckles weakly at Barnabus' suggestion that they rethink they're current employment. It was not the first time his friend had suggested such a thing.
He leaned on his staff and suddenly noted that it felt cold against his skin. Odd. He frowned as he looked at the weapon and noted a fresh blood stain. I'll have to clean that later, he thought absently.
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After her torch is relit Mirian hurries over to the pile of jewels and rings, greedly scooping them back into her sling bag. She starts with the dagger that started this whole mess then moves on to the rings and jewels. ”Fine work, gentlemen. Let’s get the cripple and the sorcerer their items. And I believe that we have a reward from Otto on deposit”, she says with a big grin on her face. Then she kneels by the dog. ”You might be a coward, but at least you seem be attentive. You’re coming with us.”
Demetrio thought about the dog's recently departed owner and gave a sad sigh.
"Does -- does the dog have a name? It seems odd to just call him 'Dog'."
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As the others talk about the mutt, Barnabas pokes about in the mummy's remains with the point of his sword, curious that almost nothing remains.
Septimilius fill Otto in on what has been happening since they last talked, with input from the rest of the group. As Barnabas and Demetrio are introduced, Mirian gathers up her loot, and Barnabus pokes around in the Mummy.
Barnabus: Notice Success
You think that all the bones that should be here are, they just seem strangely reduced in size...much thinner than they should be, and cold to the touch.
Otto after the introductions boldly takes control of the situation...Those of you who know him know that he is strong in spirit if a bit weak in body.
"Well from the look of those torches, we'd better take ourselves topside". "Perhaps back to The Dirty Dog" . "I would think that Turel would meet us there". "Tell me more of your story on the way".
The party troops upward...following the line of charcoal marks.
Otto greedily eyes the dagger as Mirian places it back in her bag. Then he forcibly looks away.
"It's strange". "I still crave that dagger, though it is the cause of all my troubles". "It began the night that I found it...Strange dreams, hallucinations". "Then"...
"I remember the attack in the courtyard, and little after that, until I woke up in my nightshirt in this very tomb". "There were disgusting undead things with me, but they seemed not to bother with me". "Things are not clear then". "Evil thoughts". "Terrible dreams". "I don't know how long that happened but it seems ages". "Then Hakeeth"..., his voice chokes up a bit at the thought of the sorcerer..."I can remember him and his dog appearing, and I wanted nothing more than to destroy him". "He destroyed the undead with some kind of spell, then he came for me...pleading with me to give him the dagger". "I guess I attacked him then, though I swear to you all I don't remember". "I think I was possessed by...something...something evil and cold". "When I heard you coming into the room, I had the irresistible urge to end my life". "Part of me still didn't want to, but I had no control over my actions". "The rest of the story you know".
Then as the glimmer of light ahead from the crack around the door. "It must be close to dawn". "I long for the sunlight again, but I will certainly cause suspicion dressed as I am". "Perhaps I could wait behind the door here with dog until you can find me more appropriate garb"?
After we arrive back at the inn we could maybe send a message... discreetly of course to the temple of the dead, and they could see about laying poor Hakketh to rest properly... and see to the sealing of that evil tomb forever."
During the journey topside feel free to make up, or recap an adventure that has happened since the fight in the courtyard.
"Perhaps you could help us, Otto. We've run afoul of someone named Kadash. He cast some sort of curse on Mirian, here. He wanted us to bring him back a blood red book with an eye stitched on the cover. We have no idea whether or not he'll deal straight. Have you heard of this man, Otto? What should we expect?"
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After we arrive back at the inn we could maybe send a message... discreetly of course to the temple of the dead, and they could see about laying poor Hakketh to rest properly... and see to the sealing of that evil tomb forever."
”When you do, feel free to leave out our involvement. Unless they’re a potential buyer of a certain dagger. Them I’m all ears.”
"Perhaps you could help us, Otto. We've run afoul of someone named Kadash. He cast some sort of curse on Mirian, here. He wanted us to bring him back a blood red book with an eye stitched on the cover. We have no idea whether or not he'll deal straight. Have you heard of this man, Otto? What should we expect?"
”He can expect a dagger to the groin if he withholds on the bargain”, Mirian says matter-of-factly. ”Come on, let’s find something to hide Otto in.” She walks tunnel and into the daylight.
”Good morning”, she greets the shopkeeper as she emerges from the catacombs. ”We have the item you asked for. And we got what we were searching for as well, which has now left us in need of a cape, robe or some similar garments. Do you know where we might procure such an item?”
As they walk along the tunnels, Septimilius listens to Otto’s recounting of what he witnessed. He tells the man some of the events that transpired, ”Your brother sent me to get you. I met Greyfeather and Hakketh in the square...or in an alley just off it. We attempted to get into the catacombs through the temple. A mistake. Ended up fighting ghouls, dogs, acolytes, and the city guards are looking for me and Greyfeather now. We met Demetrio and Barnabus while we were hiding.”
In the shop, Septimilius mumbles to Mirian, ”I can get clothes from his brother, if this guy doesn’t have any.
”Aren’t you glad you hired such loyal agents? The morning following your disappearance we started looking for you and with the help of the hound here and some enquires we were able to track you to the peacock square. Asking around square it would seem that the cultists of the temple had gotten hold of you. All we spoke to tried to dissuade us from entering but you’d paid for protection and protection is what you get. Septimilius might think the temple was a mistake but that’s where I got the scroll that disbanded the spectre. Also managed to snatch two more scrolls which I’m sure will be worth some gold to the right buyer. You interested? With your contacts I’m sure that you can find a buyer. And yes, there was a few casualties and as Septimilius said we’re now wanted by the city guard. But in our defense they attacked us! Should we really be punished for being better fighters?”
”The long and the short of it is that we sought shelter in an inn where Barnabus and Demetrio was held up. With them in toe we struck a bargain with a sorcerer, that book that Demetrio is carrying, for a way into the catacombs. And I tell you what, now that we got his book he better be good to his word or else I’m going to cut his testicles off and hang them around his neck like a necklace. Following the catacombs is how we eventually came to the crypt. Hakketh had disappeared when we fought some spiders and went ahead of us. In hindsight I think we could all agree that it wasn’t a good idea. You should try and do something to get him buried properly. I’d even chip in for the funeral. I’ve got some gold to spare”, she says and shakes her slingbag with a pleased smile as the jewels and rings inside rattle. ”Like music to the ears, isn’t it?”
As the musty group returns to the surface, they are able to wait in the shop until someone goes to the market and purchases some outlandish clothes for Otto. At least they won't be looking too closely at your group. He is grateful for the Tigers Eye, and even warns you that the City Guard is looking for two people who look much like Mirian and Septimilius.
The delivery of the book is not quite as smooth as the gem delivery, as the merchant / sorcerer claims that the only way to remove the curse is with another kiss.
Mirian> Do you comply?
Demetrio frowns as he hears about sealing the deal with a kiss again.
As the group moves closer to the shop where they first met the sorcerer Mirian slides her dagger up the sleeve of her coat.
Mirian> Do you comply?
"One more sorcerer, but cross me again and you will regret it."
The group, including Otto, and the dog, slowly make their way back to the Dirty Dog, keeping to side streets, and alleys and trying to avoid attention. Suddenly there is an urgent whisper from a darkened alcove.
"Psst"! "Otto"! "Over hear". Otto's brother steps out of the shadow for a moment to prove it is he. "In here quickly"! "All of you"!
You follow the man into a small room open to the sky, but with only the entry into the street.
"There is trouble". "Somehow you have been associated with the desecration of a temple, murder of some priests, robbery of religious artifacts and grave robbery". "And they even have complete descriptions of you and have made sketches". At this point Turel presents some sketches of Mirian, Septimilius, Hakketh (Including his dog), and a separate one of Otto. "You must not go back to the hotel, it is not save there". "I have made... arrangements to get you out of Belthaar, and in fact out of this part of Shem, but you must make your way out of the city on you own".
"There is a small building about a mile south on the Satin Road, In there a man sells camels, and sharpens blades". "You will know it by the large white quartz stone out near the road". "When you get there, ask for Sefu". "He is the representative of a man, who wishes to travel to Messantia, with a small retinue, and wishes to hire additional protection to see him across the badlands". "Perhaps you will find safety there."
"This place is safe for now, but leave as soon as you are able". "If you have anything that you wish to purchase let me know and I'll try to get it waiting for you at the meeting place". "Oh". "And here is each of your shares of the profits". He hands both Mirian and Septimilius a heavy pouch (75 gp), and lays down another. "This is for your other friend...Where is he by the way"?
As the group moves closer to the shop where they first met the sorcerer Mirian slides her dagger up the sleeve of her coat.
Mirian> Do you comply?"One more sorcerer, but cross me again and you will regret it."
The sorcerer tries for more than a little kiss, but the nimble pirate slips away with a warning. She is satisfied however to have feeling return to her other lip as well.
”Hakketh...perished during Otto’s rescue. There wasn’t much we could do.” He adds silently, Once more a practitioner of sorcery met a bad end. He was a nice enough man though. The dog like him.
”We don’t have much choice, so getting hired as guards is okay for now. Ask for Sefu? Mile south on the Satin Road. Large quartz stone.” He feels the coin in the bag with some satisfaction then looks at the two newcomers. ”I’ll split this with the two of you. You earned it and my gratitude.” He gives each man a quarter of his gold.
He looks at the sky in thought. Handing a few coins to Turel, he says,”Buy me a turban, an eye patch, and a crutch, please.”
Demetrio hands over a bag of money to Turel.
"I think it's high time I finally learned how to properly use a sword. Please, find me a good one. And a healer's kit, please. These three seem to get themselves into quite a bit of trouble," he said with a chuckle.
There had been no hesitation on his part. He had simply known that he was going with them.
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”Can’t we hire a cart and use that to sneak out of the city? I’m getting weary of disguises”, Mirian says with frown. ”Is there a reward for our capture? Something that would motivate the populous?”
Leaving the tombs, Barnabas wistfully gazes at a few unopened tombs, but stays his hand following the others out into the daylight. As they walk he listens to the other fill in Otto on what happened, eyes widening at the description of the initial infiltration of the temple. Ha, I like these ones! the thought to himself.
Then he caught Otto appraising him as if awaiting his own story "Well, not much to tell really. I sing , I steal....hearts that is." he says with a smile "Ask Demetrio , that gets me in trouble from time to time. In fact, that's why I'm in Belthaar, seems a certain fiance didn't appreciate the songs I was singing to his lady-love! How was I to know? She wasn't the prettiest thing....very nice eyes, definately, but...." Baranabas stopped, realizing that the others , including Otto had continued on leaving him standing in the middle of the street , holding forth for no-one. Smiling, he ran to catch up just as Otto's brother made his appearance.
"I'm all for leaving...my offended bride groom has managed to track me down in the last 3 towns I've found myself, so relocating may be a good idea." he says, sharing a smile with Demetrio, who was well versed in Barnabas' extra-curricular activities.
Barnabus>
Benny for the story and tie in.
Mirian>
While there is no actual reward, in this culture of bribes and favors, any city guard would be very happy to be the one to apprehend these vile criminals, and any citizen would be happy to have the city guard look the other way for a while.
Using the press of the day's activity, and various disguises...for those who require them. The group is able to make there way to the aforementioned farm. The trader is very busy, grooming several camels, and his wife, and two daughters are busy filling packs with provisions. It is obvious that someone is leaving on a trip.
When Sefu is inquired about, the man says little, but nods his head towards a sod hut at the back of the property. From the outside the place looks decrepit, and useful for little but storage, but when you push aside the cloth and enter, you can see that it has been set up as a meeting room. Sitting at a table eating a bowl of some kind of cereal is one of the largest men you have ever seen. He is bald, and has a heavy beard, but when he smiles his face lights up with mirth. His appearance and accent mark him as originating in Kush.
"Sefu welcomes you my friends". "I see that you have found me". "I tell you that my name is Sefu". "Tell me what brings you to find Sefu".
"Ah but where are my manners"? "Here sit and have water with Sefu".
Demetrio bows respectfully.
"You are a most gracious host, Sefu."
He takes a drink of water and smiles back at the man.
"We are here at the behest of Turel. We are seeking work outside the city."
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Mirian takes a cup and sits down at the table. She leans back casually oozing of confidence. ”We heard that you was looking for some capable hands to protect a retinue leaving for Messantia. As luck would have it we are in possession of some very capable hands” she says and raises the cup in salute to Sefu before downing it in one swing. Truth was that she wasn’t very keen on the idea of returning to her home town. She hadn’t left on good terms with her family and she had no desire to reunite with her father. Still, it was better than being wanted in Belthaar. And Messantia was a port city. Perhaps she would try her luck with another tour at sea. Also the scrolls and dagger wasn't going to sell their selves.
The prospect of going there was sounding better by the minute. Just avoid her family and everything would be golden.
Septimilius is the first to sit as Sefu asks them, but the last to drink the water.
”And we have diverse talents,” Septimilius adds after Mirian. ”As my Uncle Giffedo says, ‘Ox and horses pull carts. Donkeys are better as pack animals.’ I’m not saying I want to be a porter, but most jobs I’m willing to do. I’d be especially grateful for anything avoiding sorcery.”
Barnabas sits and takes the offered water, sighing "Ah that's better. Well met, Sefu. Seems the stars are in order, we need to leave the city and you need help getting to Messantia. Never been myself...."
Mirian>
"Ah"! "Pleased I am". "Sefu understands why you have paid him a visit, and Sefu believes we might help each other".
"My master is escorting a valuable caravan south, and though we have guards, it is a dangerous journey, and more would be welcome". "My master pays 1-gp per day each, plus a bonus of 25gp each upon our safe arrival in Messantia". "It is a long journey, but my Master will provide food and water for the trip". "We leave an hour before the sun appears". "Sefu wishes to know if you will accompany us"?
Knowledge: Geography
Travel time from here to the Kharjah pass is 7-days
Tracking through the desert to the Oasis of Yirlet takes a Fortnight.
Traveling south another 12 days will bring you to Messantia...assuming everything goes as planned...so it is about a 5-week trip.
"Now do you have any questions for Sefu"?
"I think that sounds fair. Are you expecting a specific type of trouble? Or simply the typical dangers?"
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Mirian>
"You've got yourself a guard", Mirian says cheerily. "What does the caravan transport? And who is your master?"
”That’s an interesting way of speaking about yourself Sefu. Septimilius likes it!” he says with a laugh.
”Looks like you have four guards ready to leave before dawn. Much like Greyfeather I want to know, what are we transporting? Or is this one of those jobs where it’s better not to know?”
Demetrio>
"Dangers". "There are dangers everywhere along this track, raiders, nomadic tribes, wild life, and unspeakable things". "If we are fortunate, and our numbers serve us well, then hopefully nothing more than a sandstorm".
Mirian>
All>
Sefu tell you that this is a small caravan". "The Master, and his Slave girl, are the only cargo that Sefu is aware of...but I'm sure there is more". "That is not shared with Sefu, and there are but four pack camels".
With a warm smile the giant man rises and clasps each of your hands. "You are welcome to stay in this building until we leave". "Sefu is happy that you have decided to accompany us". "Now I have other preparations to make". "Feel free to make this your home until we leave tomorrow. The big man makes his exit through the curtained entrance.
At various times throughout the day the supplies you ordered arrive. Everything is standard, though the longsword has some cosmetic jewelry to make it look fancier than it is, it is still a serviceable weapon.
If there is anything else you wish to do before you leave, speak now or forever hold your tongue.
Knowledge (Geo)
Wild
"Small is good. We'll attrach less attention that way." Barnabas says with a yawn.
He makes himself comfortable among a pile of pillows in the corner.
Demetrio bows again. "Thank you again, Sefu. We will be most grateful to rest here. May we all profit from this partnership."
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Demetrio>
Sefu seems to be genuine. He is a bit anxious to have your help, but there seems to be no ulterior motive.
The night passes uneventfully. There is a thunderstorm in the wee hours of the morning, so when the activity of the gathering caravan awakens the group, they awaken to find a light fog clinging to the pre-dawn. The smell of Khava awakens the senses, and it is easy to see that the caravan is minutes away from leaving.
"Well...well...well". "Look who finally decided to join us". Sefu blusters. We will be daparting within 15 minutes, if you can make yourself ready".
The caravan consists of the following:
- Sefu on his Warhorse
- Four rough looking mercenaries on foot
- Two large camels with canopied howdah that conceal the riders.
- There are also Four Pack camels that carry supplies.