Etu immediately recognizes the two scorched, desiccated figures by their horrific miens: Mummies. Something funny about these, though - they seem to be composites of Ancient Osirian necromancy and golemcraft, riddled with inorganic matter.
Etu notices that the sphinx mummy seems more concerned with the other mummies; you may be as much an unknown quantity to her as she is to you.
The sentiment seems to be mutual, as the 'composite' mummies continue to ignore everything and everyone but the sphinx.
One, propped up from behind on some kind of massive upright gurney, wheels straight forward to deliver a stiff blow...
[dice="Strangelove" slam]1d20+14[/dice]
...while the other, a barely-recognizable horror of perfectly-fused flesh, stone, clay, and gods-alone-know-what-else, rushes with reckless force!
[dice="Beksinski" slam, charge, Power Attack]1d20+13[/dice]
Both, however, wind up missing horribly - comically, even.
Dioneo
_________________
fire mephit
_________________
Kramac and Jino, Etu
_________________
composite mummies
_________________
Eladrian, Montgomery
_________________
mummified gynosphinx
_________________
Branson
Eladrian tumbles spectacularly through the fog with the sort of panache any Caydenite would swoon for, just in time to see the sphinx mummy, near-motionless up until now, suddenly explode into retributive fury!
[dice=claw, Vengeance vs "Strangelove"]1d20+20[/dice]
[dice=claw, Vengeance vs "Strangelove"]1d20+20[/dice]
[dice=claw, Vengeance vs "Beksinski"]1d20+20[/dice]
She wastes no time (as a matter of fact, if such a thing as "making time" were possible, she might appear to be doing exactly that) swatting down the already-badly-damaged mummy in the gurney, and manages to get a mighty swipe in at the other one, too!
Dioneo
_________________
fire mephit
_________________
Kramac and Jino, Etu
_________________
composite mummy
_________________
Eladrian, Montgomery (see above)
_________________
mummified gynosphinx (Burst of Vengeance)
_________________
Branson
Dioneo
_________________
fire mephit
_________________
Kramac and Jino, Etu
_________________
composite mummy
_________________
Eladrian, Montgomery
_________________
mummified gynosphinx (Burst of Vengeance)
_________________
Branson
Branson blesses the party, and Dioneo conjures an otherworldly chain to hector the remaining mummy, which is literally unmoved by its initial efforts.
The final remaining fire mephit single-mindedly pursues the mummy...
...making a futile attempt to outmaneuver Eladrian along the way.
Dioneo
_________________
fire mephit
_________________
Kramac and Jino, Etu
_________________
composite mummy
_________________
Eladrian, Montgomery
_________________
mummified gynosphinx (Burst of Vengeance, +2 AC)
_________________
Branson
|
Kramac will attempt to fast mount Jino as a free action.
He will then direct the T-Rex to advance to threaten the mummy.
Upon reaching the mummy, Kramac will attack the creature.
After (I'm assuming) demolishing the mummy, Kramac will lower his weapon and speak to the Gynosphinx.
Ho there! We mean you no harm! We are here as explorers
Eladrian takes a nasty whack at the remaining mephit as it flies by, but not enough to snuff it - Kramac, however, easily demolishes the already-crumbling mummy. A few seconds later, the mephit vanishes in a rather theatrical puff of smoke. A moment's quiet settles over the room.
The party notices that the mummies' remains are littered with amethyst fragments, dozens of which have also fallen from the wrappings over the course of the fight.
Those who filed in later also noticed that the walls along the foggy hallway had been lined with alcoves containing scrolls of ancient poetry. It's a good thing those fire-beings hadn't stuck around any longer - the ancient, cracked scroll cases were beginning to suffer terribly from the nearby heat.
wall, you discover a fireproof case containing a particularly valuable scroll. The text records the deathbed account of a wizard who witnessed
the Pharaoh of Forgotten Plagues binding the daemonic
harbinger Zelishkar of the Bitter Flame.
This air in this chapel carries the scent of incense and old parchment. A simple altar occupies the east wall. An ibis statue sits behind it, silently gazing over any visitors. Pale light shines on the altar from a painting of the moon on the ceiling, illuminating stray motes of dust.
The party also notices what appears to be some sort of dust-devil drifting lazily overhead near the ceiling. It doesn't seem to be up to much, but on the occasions it wanders close by, you notice the air seem to get even dryer than before...and notice the bizarre tentacles and claws occasionally emerging from its form.
Montgomery sheaths his swordcane and bows in the direction of the Gynosphinx, addressing it in Sphinx, "Greetings, honored erudite one."
The sphinx takes a moment to cast a momentary, suspicious glare in Eladrian's direction before staring directly back at Montgomery with intense, unblinking eyes.
Before she can speak, however, you hear footsteps and slow clapping from behind you - both sounding as though they were made by wooden hands and feet. They are coming from a man you hadn't noticed before in the corner of the room - well, not exactly a man, but a mannequin, covered in ancient, thick robes, and with an inscrutable purple ceramic mask for a face. It - he - begins addressing you:
The mannequin's gaze shifts toward the sphinx.
The sphinx looks back at the mannequin.
The mannequin makes what might be an angry or incredulous gesture.
The sphinx is unmoved.
With that, the mannequin and sphinx both turn - in fact, they pivot with eerie, unnatural smoothness - toward the party.
|
|
While the two creatures speak, Kramac will sheath his sword and dismount. He will listen intently, despite not understanding a word. Once the Sphinx and the new arrival finish conversing, Kramac will look to Montgomery.
Did you catch any of that, friend Montgomery? I didn't understand the slightest bit of what they said. Do you have a way to converse with them?
|
As Ancient Osiriani begins being spoken, Etu will realize the importance of this exchange and burn a Prayer spell to spontaneously cast Tongues. She quietly begins translating for the rest of the party and, once the duo turns towards them, steps forward and begins speaking the ancient tongue. "Saruna and Badru, I am Etu Free-As-Wind, and these are my companions-" to which she'll name off everyone in the group. "I ask you to forgive us, as we are not the Jeweled Sages that you expected. However, we were sent by Tahonikepsu, the Diamond Sage, and we are Pathfinders, who work very closely with the sages. She has sent us to see to the archives, and report back that everything is intact and clear out any hazardous threats that may have moved in. If you do not mind, in response to our goal given to us by the Diamond Sage, would you perhaps find it in yourselves to help us out?"
|
As the "mannequin" enters the room Montgomery straightens and watches the interplay trying to provide some context to his allies in Common, "We appear to have stumbled into an ancient conflict between two servants of the Jeweled Sages of old." Montgomery continues providing translations of what is being said to the rest of the group until Etu takes over. Once Etu is busy speaking for the group Montgomery will return to translating for the group when he is not contributing himself to the diplomatic endeavor.
Following on what Etu started Montgomery pipes in, "Some of us are in fact cohorts of the modern incarnation of the Jeweled Sages, part of an organization known as the Scarab Sages."
Montgomery recognizes the statue dominating the room as a depiction of Thoth: Osirian god of magic, writing, and the moon, and patron of archivists and libraries.
Branson recognizes the thing overhead as a malign-natured elemental being known as a mihstu. This one appears less 'mature', for all the sense that that could make, than what would be considered typical.
Kramac and Montgomery instantly recognize the being named Badru as a soulbound mannequin - Montgomery in particular happens to know a great deal about them, although this one seems like it might have a few of its own...irregularities.
When Etu clarifies that you are not Jeweled Sages yourselves, but are working on behalf of their contemporary successors, Badru seems taken aback for a moment, but rallies quickly.
Saruna, on the other hand, visibly slumps at the news of your affiliations - nonetheless, her posture is otherwise less guarded than it was toward you. She addresses you in turn:
|
|
They seem to want us to choose...but why I am not sure. They seem united in common purpose of preserving the knowledge of the sages. Etu and Montgomery, perhaps we can convince them to set aside their rivalry and assist us in cataloging the contents of this building?
Turning to the two, Kramac will say Do you speak common? Most of us do not speak your language.
|
|
"Perhaps,Kramac. I'll attempt," Etu says softly before turning back to the odd pair. Whether or not they speak Common, she'll speak in Ancient Osiriani and let Montgomery translate her words.
"I cannot say that we can dispose of her, Badru, as we have very explicit instructions on living things as they are for when the Sages return," she explains softly. Etu then turns to Saruna. "The Sages will delight in the knowledge that you will pass on, I'm very sure of this. But I'm afraid I don't understand; have you been here all this time as a prisoner? I believe we need more details. Surely with the two of you working with us in tandem, we can find a solution satisfactory to all?"
|
|
Looking to Saruna, Montgomery attempts to back up Etu, "You say you desire vengeance against your former master, however it is likely that the Jeweled Sage you speak of is dead already. The Sages were hunted to near extinction thousands of years ago and the organization is only newly revitalized by the efforts of the Sapphire Sage, Amenopheus and recently the Diamond Sage, Tahonikepsu who now leads the modern incarnation of the Sages. You say you desire that your knowledge live on, some among the rank of the Scarab Sages may one day ascend to the rank of Jeweled Sage and the Sage Jewels preserve the knowledge of all of the former holders. I myself am close to achieving this vaunted status after my years of service. Perhaps if you join the ranks of the Scarab Sages you too could earn the right to be a Jeweled Sage, such an occurrence would insure your knowledge all you have come to know continues on past you, potentially forever."
Turning to the two, Kramac will say Do you speak common? Most of us do not speak your language.
Badru ignores him (though not out of any readily-recognizable rudeness), but Saruna looks over at Kramac momentarily before turning to Etu and Montgomery, whom she addresses this time in the language Montgomery first attempted to engage her with.
Meanwhile, Badru looks at Saruna with what might be annoyance.
"I cannot say that we can dispose of her, Badru, as we have very explicit instructions on living things as they are for when the Sages return," she explains softly.
At the mention of 'living things', Badru simply stares at Etu, then at Saruna, who returns his stare. After a moment that seems much longer than it actually is, both of them break out into a short bout of dry, unnatural chuckling.
Etu then turns to Saruna. "The Sages will delight in the knowledge that you will pass on, I'm very sure of this. But I'm afraid I don't understand; have you been here all this time as a prisoner? I believe we need more details."
She pauses, and reaches up to a dark, ragged hole in her bandaged chest. She pulls more of the wrappings aside, and those who peer closely see, inside her chest cavity, a fist-sized amethyst.
|
|
Eladrian sits off to the side, watching the play of words back and forth between the two creatures and the Pathfinders. Finally, he joins in on the discussion through a translator.
"I too think that it seems you two are but two sides of the same coin. You desire to increase your knowledge as well as share what you know. We would be glad to assist in this, and once we are sure that no further danger lies ahead, there will be many scholars wishing to come here to learn at your feet."
Turning towards the sphinx, he continues. "And I too know your thirst for righting a personal injustice and seeking to redeem false pledges. You say that your former teacher went deeper into this place and then returned asking for your heart. Where did he go once you agreed?"
|
|
Saruna blinks, her patience wearing just a bit thin. She has not forgotten that you destroyed her army and rendered her conflict with Badru a stalemate.
Perhaps he did. What remains is but a Beacon Below us.
Into the Library where only the sages can go.
Here I dream of my revenge, oh so glorious.
She also seems intrigued by Montogmery's claims of being close to being a true sage as her dead purple eyes have not left him since he said so.
Badru also gets frustrated Yes, the sage's library is sacred ground....and if you should happen to want to know a way forward.... well you are in luck because I have the equipment needed.
|
|
Both parties both realize where this conversation is headed and become wary, almost ready for battle, before Badru backs off If you wish to know the way forward, come with me. I will explain my theory and how you can execute it so that we can continue to pursue the glory and REVIVAL of our ancient and noble order, away from traitors to the cause like Saruna
He walks off to towards the stairs.
Saruna meanwhile paws at the throne in front of her I may have a way forward too, but I must be sure of your intentions first. What brought you here....and what your ultimate goals are.
|
|
Branson, with your level of sense motive, even without a rule you can tell that that conversation with the two of them and you as an in between is the most they have spoken in eons and their words regarding each other were pure poison.
If you had to guess....conflict between the two is pretty close to intractable. The path of the peacemaker isn't always an easy one.
|
|
Montgomery switches back to Common to confer with his companions, he looks unsure of himself as he does so, "I am reluctant to write off Saruna. She is clearly the victim of some kind of abuse from the Jeweled Sage she once named as master. I may be a servant of the modern Jeweled Sages but that does not mean I must support their every action nor will I fail to act against their crimes, should I be able. That said, Badru sounds like he at least he believes he knows how to help us complete our mission here, so I am willing to work with the group if the majority feels he is the right choice to support. Perhaps I should try explaining our purpose here to her one last time and see what that gains us?" Montgomery glances at Saruna looking torn.