The desert wastes of Osirion have always been home to competing clans of nomadic elementals of air and sand, best known for ushering in the blinding khamsin on a seasonal basis. Something changed this year, though, and the elementals went berserk, scouring the desert with tireless fury. Thousands of tons of desert sand shifted, with entire towns buried and valuable oases lost. As a result, the caravan roads have become deadly.
But one man’s disaster is another man’s opportunity, for in the valleys and canyons left behind by the ancient storms, ancient wonders from fantastic myths have resurfaced. A dozen previously unknown pyramids now miraculously rise from the sand.
Word has spread, and renowned treasure hunters from across the globe congregate on Sothis, Osirion’s bustling capital, to prepare for some of the most anticipate dungeon delves in centuries. Within this community of rogues, bandits, mercenaries, and tomb robbers, a rumor has spread like wildfire; one of these resurfaced structures towering out of the desert floor is none other than the legendary pyramid complex of the Four Pharaohs of Ascension.
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You all find yourselves, on the evening of Oathday the 12th of Erestus, invited to attend Venture-Captain Norden Balentii’s chambers. The Sothis Lodge has been abuzz with excited whispers ever since scattered reports of new pyramids uncovered by a particularly violent Khamsin season began to filter in. Several minor expeditions have already been launched to verify the rumors, and a steady trickle of information and early finds have been making their way to the lodge ever since.
The real excitement however has surrounded rumors that one of the pyramids may be the legendary pyramid, where the Four Pharaohs of Ascension were entombed.
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Having been absent from the lodge for some time you have not had much chance to catch up on the local gossip, even so you are still aware of the envy of your peers from the suspected reason behind the invitation this evening… When you do arrive, alongside several other familiar faces you recognize your guide from the Hall of Seven Spears, a dark-skinned local man named Algharud N’Butu.
Those whose divine callings coincide with the interests of the Pathfinders are always welcomed by the organization, and your story was no different. Having been recommended by one of the senior clergy of the Dawnflower you were quickly accepted to the Pathfinder’s ranks, and have spent the years since keeping foolhardy explorers from a wonderful variety of horrible deaths, and cleansing the many undead of Osirion with Sarenrae’s holy flame. You have met with the Venture-Captain on occasion for briefings and debriefings, but have never received an invitation like this before. With the rumors floating around the lodge you can only hope that you may be given an opportunity to explore such a significant part of Osirion’s history. There have been many Pharaoh in it’s long history, but few stand as tall as the Four Pharaohs of Ascension.
Halistar enters the foyer of the lodge with a sigh. He had really hoped for a bit of relaxing research before heading back into the field, but it was not to be.
He heads towards the Venture-Captain's chambers, and after being shown in, has a quick look around for anything unusual, before heading over to Algharud N’Butu.
"Well Mr N'Butu, it seems that we meet again. Lets hope that this assignment has less attrition among the support staff"
The weathered human looks about the space, smiling as he recognizes some friends he has traveled with in the past. "Omari! Seneb! It is so good to see you both here, today!" He reaches out with his right hand, and touches his named companions on their right shoulders. "You both seem to be doing very well. I am hoping that whichever newly available site we are sent to will prove less troublesome than the Dog Pharaoh's Tomb!" After looking at the other two people waiting with them, he turns to Omari in a conspiratorial tone, "So, do you think the aasimar will be in charge? Or perhaps you will be the expedition leader this time. You have certainly earned the position!"
Algharud nods and pays Halistar short and solemn respect. Halistar... I hope bringing attrition to everything in the way.
He rummages in the pockets of his backpack and gets two very sticky pink lollipops out.
Want some? ... You heard of that big pyramid? Know something?
Although he tries to be friendly, a bit of a basic distrust is in Algharuds eyes. That is especially the case, as he looks upon any wands, spell component pouches or other magic things Halistar may have. That obviously didn´t even change with their accomplished mission in the past.
"Sure, why not. Halistar says, his Emerald eyes glinting as he takes one of the lollipops from Algharud. "Well, back in the third age of the black sphinx, Ancient Osirion was, for a time, ruled by a union of four feuding pharaohs known as the Four Pharaohs of Ascension. Their names were believed to be Anok Fero, the Cerulean Pharaoh; Hetshepsu, the Fiend Pharaoh; Ankana, the Radiant Pharaoh; and the Pharaoh of Numbers, whose true name is lost to time. Although each brought different strengths to the union, all were equal.
The legends say the Four Pharaohs of Ascension were bound by a magical pact that intertwined their fates: they lived together, ruled together, and were fated to die together. The Pharaoh of Numbers supposedly was both an astronomer and an architect. His passion was his study of the distant planet Aucturn, and some legends claim Aucturn inspired the magic that fueled the pharaohs’ binding pact and it’s influence infused the design of the pyramid that now entombs the bodies of the four pharaohs."
Halister now looks like he is trying to avoid spitting on the floor. " Unfortunatly, those Devil-worshiping skum from Celiax seem to be inspired by Hetshepsu the Fiend Pharaoh, so they are probably going to be sniffing around the area soon."
As the last of the five of you enters the doors are closed behind them, and shortly thereafter several servants of the lodge filter into the room offering refreshments, mugs of hot, bitter coffee for those who have the taste, or glasses of chilled wine. Others enter with trays of fresh pastries, still lightly steaming and offer them to you all, before setting said trays on a side table, and retreating from the room once again, the Venture Captain still noticeably absent.
Algharud gets himself a tremendous amount of pastries, apparently seeing no problem with such a greedy behaviour.
With a half-full mouth, Algharud turns to Halister again.
Devil-Worhsip? That´s some kind of evil magic right? Well in that case we´ve got two options: Kill or stay away. They´re a strong bunch, those Cheliaxians?
With a mix of fear and hate, Algharud speaks a short Prayer to Nethys: Lord of all Magic, protect me from evil or guide my arm to slay it.
After gorging himself on the pastries, Algharud drinks something and returns to his half-eaten lollipop.
Halistar grabs a glass of wine and a pie. "Yes, Devil worshipping is a definition of evil magic". He pauses to have a bite of his pie, and then continues "as to whether they are strong, well it varies a bit. If they have one of their Asmodean Clerics or a Hellknight, yes they can be tough. Otherwise, not really.
You think tougher than me? I'd really like to beat up some bad-ass-magic-users! Maybe visiting these pyramids could be worth the effort...
Meriui looks in wonder at the aasimar as he rattles off so much information about the Four Pharaohs. "That was very impressive, friend. I didn't recall that much information, myself, honestly. Do you think he will give us the trip to the Four Pharaohs' tomb? Truly?"
Seemingly oblivious to the scene of Algharud filling his face, the question about tough opponents DOES get his attention. "Careful, friend. There is always someone tougher, faster, stronger, meaner, with less concern for his own life, or whatever. These people will either beat you by doing what you think you are best at, or they will beat you by not caring about what you do well. There are many traps associated with tombs such as these, and only a few of them were put in place by the builders."
As a quick aside, he also comments, "Yes, but you should try one of these date-filled pastries with some of this kaffe. The combination of flavors is amazing!"
For a short moment, Algharud has a dark and bitter look on his face. Less concern for his own life? I´d really like to see THAT...
Seneb smiled as he saw his companions and friends had been asked to come for this meeting as well. He clasped each on them on the shoulder and laughed. "It is good to see you my friends! I hope that this time we will be able to not deal with those troublesome Aspis and have a quiet and uneventful expedition. Although with all of us here, that it's not going to be because there is no danger, eh?"
As he listened to Hallistar's history lesson, he nodded at the finish and grinned. "No, it won't be a peaceful, relaxing journey after all. We shall be able to handle anything that come up I am sure however."
Hearing Algharud's comments, Seneb's smile disappeared and his eyes narrowed. "There are those magicians who would disagree with you. The Arcane arts are more dangerous than any steel. They can be wild, unpredictable. They can also be focused and shaped. Do you consider yourself worth more than a Mage? If you had to choose between a merchant and an adept, would you protect the merchant before the adept even if the adept was in more danger? What gives you the right to look down on those who choose the learned path?"
Seneb was visibly trying to rein in his anger.
Algharud's body trembles slightly. He builts himself up to his full imposing height and looks down into Seneb's face.
Lot'a questions you have. But your ears seem not as good as your mouth. I´ve said, I kill the bad ones, not the good. So why don´t you go preaching your morals to someone who cares?
”Ahh good, you all made it. Welcome back to Halistar and Algharud, thank you for your help in returning Jilarni to us, and greetings to Omari, Meriui and Senebhenaf.” he favors you all with a warm smile, and a respectful inclination of his head, gesturing for you to make yourself comfortable on the cushions and low seats nearby if you have not done so already. He wanders over to the side-table, pouring himself a cup of coffee, and selecting a pastry, taking a delicate bite and still managing to spill crumbs over himself, which he lightly brushes from his chest. He seems to sense the mood in the room then for the first time, focusing on Algharud and Seneb.
”Ahh yes, I don’t believe most of you would have met our desert guide. Let me introduce Algharud N’Butu. Algharud, this is Meriui bin Mercia, veteran of a number of expeditions, and author of an article or two in the Pathfinder Chronicles I believe.” he pauses to incline his head at Meriui again. ”Our holy brother this evening is Omari, faithful of Sarenrae who will be helping keep you all from falling over on the job; and Senebhenaf, praticioner of steel and spell. You have already made the acquaintance of Halistar Goldentongue I’m sure.”
With introductions out of the way, and any hard feelings hopefully smoothed over, the Venture Captain settles himself into one of the low couches, sipping again at his coffee. ”Now, I’m sure most of you know why you are here, or have your suspicions at least… Well to get down to it, the rumors are true. In light of the recent--lets call them natural excavations—we have been looking into the matter at hand, that one of the pyramids may well be the very one where the Four Pharaohs of Ascension were entombed, and one of my agents has located a man she believes has been there.”
”You have all been chosen as experts in your fields--Osiriontology, crypt breaking, desert survival, the divine, and arcane might—to participate in this mission. You will need to make contact with the agent in question, the Mithral Scarab via an auction taking place tomorrow morning in the Malhitu Bazaar. After the Mithral Scarab confirms your identity via a prearranged signal they will make contact, and take you to meet with their informant. It will be up to you to pursue your goal from there, that being; the discovery and exploration of the tomb of the Four Pharaohs of Ascension.
As Algharud is mentioned as an author, he lifts an eyebrow as if to question what the venture captain said.
Understood. So let's get our gear ready and meet that bug-guy tomorrow.
He unwraps a pretty, colorful piece of candy from its paper, throws it into the air and catches it with his mouth.
"What would be the signal, and how would we be recognising this Mithril Scarab?"
Meriui looks nervously about the room. "The tomb of the Four Pharaohs? Really?" He looks up into a corner and starts ticking things off, obviously talking to himself. "We'll need more foodstuffs, and a far larger quantity of tracing paper than normal. The Venture-Captain can provide porters AFTER we . . .." He blinks and looks directly at the Venture-Captain, blushing. "My apologies."
"Is there anything that we should acquire from the auction while we are there? Or are we to use our bidding to identify ourselves?"
"Uh yes, where did I put that file..." he takes a last bite of his pastry as he rises and walks over the trays of foodstuffs, lifting one up and smiling as he slides an envelope out from underneath it.
He brings it back to the group and hands it to Halistar. "That should have everything you'll need, including a small stipend for the auction itself. Your primary purpose is to signal the Scarab at the auction, but the artifacts there most likely originate from the same area as the Pharaoh's Tomb, and could be of some use to you. If you think them genuine, and of value then use the stipend." he swirls his coffee cup, held between both hands, just smiling at Meriui as the rogue's attention wanders. "The file should have everything you need to arrange your expedition; as to how you'll recognize them the Scarab will display our symbol" he reassures the pair of historians.
I'll get my stuff ready. Meet you guys tomorrow at the auction. Remember: Files and gold won´t protect from desert monsters and the merciless sun. Bring loose white clothes, weapons and no armor heavier than a chain shirt. Bring furs too to protect from the nightfrost. And whatever you do in the desert... do what I say, will keep you alive that way.
That being said, Algharud leaves the room.
<- Mithril Scarab
<- The Auction
"Yes, wise words Algharud." the Venture-Captain agrees, before frowning slightly. "Well, I had hoped that the final member of your party would have arrived so that you could meet them, but they must still be travelling. I will let them know where the auction house is." he informs you all as the meeting starts to wrap up, and Algharud seems eager to leave. "Rest well, and good luck." he bids you all farewell.
Inside the file Halistar will find a number of pieces of paper, two of which in particular seem of questionable origin. The pair are on official stationary, the first detailing the right of exploration and salvage to a rather ambiguously described location (including several large blanks sections that would be quite easy to fill in), signed by the Venture Captain as the representative of the applying party, and by one First Speaker Dahnakrist Phi of the Council of Sun and Sky; the second features a large, blank section, with a statement at the bottom attributed to the Arch Docent, curator of Sothis’ Exhibitory that the above items have been examined and found to be of little or no historical value, and given into the custody of the Pathfinders Society, a document Halistar would recognize as a ‘Tomb Robber’s Friend’.
On a rather different stationary, one that everyone in the party would be more familiar with as belonging to the Pathfinder Society, there is a requisition order for a sum of 1200gp, and two wands of healing (light, and moderate). The other documents are similar, though seem to be for several local businesses, authorizing the purchase or rental of supplies, camels, and up to 3 bearers to be provided for the named bearer (featuring the names of Halistar, Seneb and Meriui), with the charges to be sent to the Pathfinder Society.
When the group fulfills the first order with the Sothis Lodge quartermaster, they are provided with a small chest, weighted down with many coins, and two magical wands, Cure Moderate Wounds (34 charges), and Cure Serious Wounds (7 charges)
Algharud restocks his rations. Ten days worth of food will be enough and easy to carry. He fills to waterskins with a gallon of fresh water, too. Afterwards he buys a big bunch of candy.
Finally, he visits a temple of Nethys to make a small sacrifice of a few pieces of his candy and a few silver coins to ensure protection from evil magic especially from Seneb.
"I suggest I take the Cure Moderate Wounds wand, and Meriui take the Cure Serious one
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Knowledge (History):
Lanialiar Redtear walked into the room where the group has gathered. You can see that she makes no effort to hide the 2 large ram like horns protruding on her forehead...in fact one may say she is quite proud of it. A certain heatwave is emitted into the room which is further amplified by the already high temperature in the room. Trailing beside her is a large desert colored Ape. The Ape towers above everyone in the room. Sensing the attention is on her Lanialiar greeted the group.
I carry greetings from the Mother of the Desert, I am Lanialiar Redtear; Mistress of the Desert. This is my true friend Dacclok The large ape grunted in reply, snorting and looked around with his inquisitive eyes...obviously very interested in the food laid out on the table.
Thank you Venture Captain Norden Balentii for allowing me to participate in this expedition.
With that said, she nodded towards Docclok and he rushed to the table and started stuffing food into his mouth. Lanialiar smiled and shrugs towards the bewildered group.
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Knowledge (History):1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14
Lanialiar Redtear walked into the room where the group has gathered. You can see that she makes no effort to hide the 2 large ram like horns protruding on her forehead...in fact one can sense a certain primal superiority in the manner she lifts her chin up and looks down to you. A certain heatwave is emitted into the room which is further amplified by the already high temperature in the room. Sensing that she has the room attention, Lanialiar greeted the group I carry greetings from the Mother of the Desert, I am Lanialiar Redtear; Mistress of the Desert Moon.
Thank you Venture Captain Norden Balentii for allowing me to participate in this expedition. You have our Mother's gratitude. She nods at the Venture Captain before making her to a corner of the room observing the group like a predator in waiting.
Perception
"Ah, excellent!" the venture captain looked up and smiled as the increase of temperature heralded Lanialiar's approach. "Everyone, this is Lanialiar, the final member of the party. She's another native of the region--don't worry Algharuh, you're not being replaced--she'll be providing some divine assistance." he pauses to reassure the Garundi man before continuing. "Lanialiar, this is Algharud, the guide, Halistar an expert on Ancient Osirion, Meriui our Crypt Breaker, and Seneb who'll be providing arcane assistance."
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Lanialiar nods Ahh..well met Algharud, the desert knows of you for you have traveled upon its sands for many moons. Our mother recognises your scent and path upon the desert, I have much to learn from you Halistar even though I understand the mother, I do not understand your human history and their mistakes.
Flames seem to flickers briefly among her hair before she turned to Meriui I never thought that one day I would have to work with your kind, our memories from the Mother recalls thievery upon her sands in every era.
Lanialiar pauses for a moment I guess like one of the phase you humans like to say to each other that is carried upon our Mother's wind to my ears....the end justify the meanssss...perhaps?
Well met Seneb, our mother approves of the power coursing through your blood. May we hunt well for many moons to come. Lanialiar acknowledges Seneb in a manner when two predators would cross path and acknowledge each other's powress before walking off.
Flames seem to flickers briefly among her hair before she turned to Meriui I never thought that one day I would have to work with your kind, our memories from the Mother recalls thievery upon her sands in every era.
Lanialiar pauses for a moment I guess like one of the phase you humans like to say to each other that is carried upon our Mother's wind to my ears....the end justify the meanssss...perhaps?
Confusion flickers across Meriui's face as the ifrit blatantly insults not just him, but the very purpose of the expedition. "I think perhaps you are confused about the task before us? As for an 'Ends justify the means' excuse, those are usually used by those who hurt others for their own gain. I work hard not to do that. Perhaps you would have an easier time if you tried to learn about your companions before dismissing them in an insulting fashion." Amazingly, Alghrud finds himself in a foot race for the door. I doubt he is as surprised by that as Meriui is, though.
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Lanialiar looked at Meriui and replied I see truth in your eyes when you speak. Please accept my apologies, I spoke too hastily. It's just that the blood of merchants that have been spilled on the desert sand cries out to us. They tell us that more often than not, the perpetrators of these deeds possess the same skill sets as yours. One with stealth and nimble of hearing and fingers.
Then well met Meriui, the desert welcomes you and remembers you. I pray that if one day you should find a need alone in the desert, call upon my name and I will aid you. I hope that is at least a boon to you for my hasty words. Lanialiar bowed at Meirui briefly.
I do not understand your nature for this expedition but I understand this purpose of this expedition for the desert. It is a taint and something has started when the pyramids were revealed. it is faint but it is growing stronger as we speak.. Flames within her hair blazed for a brief moment emitting overlapping heatwaves around her.
As Algharud heads to the exit, he runs into Lanialiar. He just nods without too much friendliness. You're in this, too?
Algharud stares right in to Lanialiars eyes.
Yes, maybe I will be tripped. And maybe I will stumble with my fist right into something that prevents me from falling...
Speechless, but with visible anger on his face, Algharud decides to stay.
Damn arrogant druid! May Nethys put the vilest of curses on his lice-bitten hide! I'd really like to beat the crap out of him! But business is business. Calm down...
It's good money and the Society wants me being disciplined...
The Venture Captain watches the reaction to Lanialiar's arrival with impassive features, although occasionally his lips twitch slightly upwards, almost as if he's amused.
"Well, I wish you all good luck, I have a briefing to attend early tomorrow morning, so I will leave you to aquaint yourselves with each other. Just show yourself out when you're done, and don't worry about a mess, as long as you don't break anything." he simply turns and gives an airy, dismissive wave to you all as he disappears through a door, leading to some inner chamber.
Halistar tries to ignore the barbarian and the druid, while reading through the mission folder. The fact that the signal involved a large Peacock feather was strange, but not the most unusual signal he had seen in the past few years. It did show that this Mithril Scarab character has a sense of humour.
The human who walked out the door not a full minute ago returns, with a sheepish expression on his face, though he avoids looking at the ifirt. "Halistar? What would you like for me to do to help prepare? Where, and when, should we meet? I . . . I shouldn't have forgotten to focus on our task that quickly."
Zanos watched the exchange between the others with interest.
"Well, this is going to be an interesting expedition!" said the apparently unarmed man in well-worn clothes as he looked over Lanialiar.
"So, milady, you're to be our guide? Very interesting indeed."
Turning to Meriui bin Mircea, he said, "Meriui, who's going to be in charge of this mission?"
Meriui blinks a couple of times in response to the question, and then turns and points at Halistar. "Well, the Venture-Captain gave Halistar all the paperwork, instructions, credit notes and such. I think that puts him in charge. Don't you?" He does actually seem confused by the question