"Gandel, do you think that you may know how to speak with this figure? Perhaps it is a spirit possessing on of the Khyrasma's men. In any case we should proceed with caution".
"I would be happy to investigate," Gandel replies to Hal. "I speak Ancient Osiriani in addition to modern Osiriani. If the mummy is some sort of guardian-spirit, I'll hopefully be able to communicate with it. If everyone is ready?"
With those words, the halfling scholar enters the chamber.
Hurgah flexes his massive fists, and takes up position next to Moonpate.
"Let's go say hello, then. But this fellow had better be polite - this time, it's no gang of frightened slaves that comes calling."
Breach shakes his head negatively; knowing the odds of this turning into trouble are high. "This ought ta be interestin'." Breach then takes up his position and follows behind the others, the petrified Lydia firmly in hand.
Having been given the Sooron's warning and okay, Karek advances inexorably.
-
It sounds as though he is inexorably followed too. The Dune Squad advances in its marching order, spearing the first ten feet into the room when. . .
Something happens!
But first,
the Dune Squad enters - or at least Karek and Gandel do, followed closely by the two clerics in the entryway.
The rest of the party following in behind, but still outside in the corridor:
KK GT*
DS*HM
XA MP
BS HR
The muscular Osirion adorned in robes and white linens slowly turns to face the men (and woman) filing in to the great hall.
He speaks.
Gandel is ready, his ears waiting to drink up the sounds of Ancient Osirion. If the archivist is right, this will be among the first time anyone has heard such a language actually spoken by a native speaker. The halfling has read the words in script many times, but never heard the words spoken non-phonetically by someone who legitimately knows how they should sound.
The voice rumbles deeply as though echoing in a valley. It is confident and authoritative.
I guess I'll pop of a knowledge check and see if I know anything about mummies.
-
You only flub those when you know it would be completely incongruous.Having been through the Veinstone Pyramid, Donkor has encountered several mummies.
He must know this:
1. Mummies are dangerous as all heck.
2. Ancient Osirian mummification rituals produced mummies the operate quite different from the creatures in the Monster Manual (or Pathfinder Bestiary).
-
Just FYI, if someone takes an item, they need to be sure to add it to their sheet. Otherwise you risk me being all in yo face about it at the most inopportune time.
Breach can only shake his head again. Dropping his voice to where only the others can hear, "Let me guess... he's complainin' that dinner is now cold because we took to long ta get here, but he's willin' ta forgive us just this once, right?" He asks, sarcastically. "Be ready, this is no' gonna end well."
I guess I'll pop of a knowledge check and see if I know anything about mummies.-
You only flub those when you know it would be completely incongruous.Having been through the Veinstone Pyramid, Donkor has encountered several mummies.
He must know this:
1. Mummies are dangerous as all heck.
2. Ancient Osirian mummification rituals produced mummies the operate quite different from the creatures in the Monster Manual (or Pathfinder Bestiary).
"Gandel, do you think that you may know how to speak with this figure? Perhaps it is a spirit possessing on of the Khyrasma's men. In any case we should proceed with caution".
Xerissa quietly adds, "You know, we could always stay outside the room and just firebomb him till he's a gonner."
-
I suspect he learned quite a lot! However, since he was never seen again after that expedition, there is no chance he passed any of the knowledge on to you.Perhaps you could inquire with Donkor, he's the last living person to have seen Auraraun of the Lost Scroll alive.
-
Kinda, half the Dune Squad is now in the room. Xerissa does though have ways of shaping some of her splash damage so some variation on this could still be possible.
Not sure if Donkor is the best person to hold onto the disc, as it might require an accurate throw to lob it where we need it in a battle. Accurate throws are far from being Sooron's specialty.
Therefore might I suggest Xerissa, who would presumably have the best aptitude for disc-chucking.
Sooron will quickly and very quietly translate the words of Mr. mummy for those around him, while pondering if his historical studies might lead him to the answer most likely to please this creature. To pose as one of the 4 pharaohs perhaps? Or some other illustrious figure from the past?
Knowledge: History
After the translation Hal whispers, "Allies of Suekhan? It is one of the names given by Pharasma and Angradd. We likely don't have another name from the period to give do we?"
Sooron will quickly and very quietly translate the words of Mr. mummy for those around him, while pondering if his historical studies might lead him to the answer most likely to please this creature. To pose as one of the 4 pharaohs perhaps? Or some other illustrious figure from the past?
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Well a Knowledge (history) check can't answer what response is most likely to please the figure on the throne, but I don't think that's quite what you meant.However, if you are simply after the proper names of the Four Pharaohs of Ascension, you are well covered. Gandel made an insane Knowledge check on that general subject at the start of the adventure and Donkor made a DC 18 to get that as well.
I'll try and get a link (might have to jet before I find it).
As for other historical names, anything in particular in mind? If you describe it, I'll see if your DC 15 can give you a name for it.
Then again, it sounds like Hal may already have one for you . . .
Update: If you go to page 2 of the game thread, there are Knowledge checks on the Four Pharaohs at DC 5, 10 and 15 and then further down the page for DC 20 and 25, all of which were made.
The DC 15 one has the specific names Donkor is trying to bring to mind. It reads:
"The Four Pharaohs of Ascension were Anok Fero the Cerulean Pharaoh, Hetshepsu the Fiend Pharaoh, Ankana the Radiant Pharaoh, and the Pharaoh of Numbers, whose true name has been lost to time. Although each pharaoh brought different strengths to their alliance, each was the equal of the other."
Moonpate's eyes widen and he rubs his big hands in delight when Gandel unveils the enchanted eggs.
"Oooh. I have only seen such wonders once, at a conclave of daivrats my master hosted. The Başağa of Coo wore a brace of such eggs around his pointy turban, boasting they were gifts from a noble djinn. I will be honored to have these. With any luck, I may even live long enough to bestow one as a gift to my master."The Potentate places each egg carefully in one of his many hidden pockets.
Better still, the way I hear it, the Başağa of Coo's were fakes.
Hmm. I'm leaning toward trying something generic along the lines of, "Those who seek to honour the Four Pharaohs of Ascension". What say you all?
Not sure if Donkor is the best person to hold onto the disc, as it might require an accurate throw to lob it where we need it in a battle. Accurate throws are far from being Sooron's specialty.
Therefore might I suggest Xerissa, who would presumably have the best aptitude for disc-chucking.
Sooron will quickly and very quietly translate the words of Mr. mummy for those around him, while pondering if his historical studies might lead him to the answer most likely to please this creature. To pose as one of the 4 pharaohs perhaps? Or some other illustrious figure from the past?
Knowledge: History 1d20+5
Hmm. I'm leaning toward trying something generic along the lines of, "Those who seek to honour the Four Pharaohs of Ascension". What say you all?
Gandel listens to his companions suggestions and frames a response to the mummified guardian. Bowing low, the halfling scholar speaks his reply in the ancient language.
Sooron adds to Gandel's impressive supplication,
Aid Another - Diplomacy:
-----
The entity atop the throne silently rises to its feet, its great metallic sceptre held in its hands.
It answers:
Gandel again bows low before the mummified guardian and addresses it in the ancient language.
"When we learned of the Asmodeans' foul plans we traveled here with all haste to try to thwart their designs. When we arrived we were quite disheartened to find the entire pyramid surrounded by their legions. We did what we could to prevent them from unearthing and opening the doorway into Ahn-Selota , but we were unable to cause them more than a minor hindrance. Once the Asmodeans opened the portal they were able to send two squadrons of their men into the pyramid before we were able to make our way past their forces. We found the remains of several of their men in the passageway without, and we are relieved to see that you dispatched any who managed to reach your chamber," Gandel pauses to indicate the two crumpled bodies near the throne.
"However, we are certain that they will soon send more of their forces into the pyramid. My companions and I have pledged our lives to defend the secrets of the Four Pharaohs contained within Ahn-Selota . We have blocked the entryway for now and have placed new traps, but we fear it is only a matter of time before they send ever-increasing numbers of their men and reach this chamber again. Unfortunately, we have severely depleted our strength in making our way past the Asmodean legions, and need to rest to replenish our resources so that we may help defend the pyramid. Is there a chamber in which we could rest safely? Or a position within the pyramid in which you feel we could provide the most aid in defending the secrets of the Four Pharaohs?"
Hal whispers to Breach and Hurgah, "Well he is still talkin' so I guess its going well?"
Sooron looks very impressed as Gandel proceeds to cast Awesome Wall of Text, and flounders for a moment looking for something to add. Then he decides to leave it be and see what happens.
Untrained Aid Another Bluff:
Hal whispers to Breach and Hurgah, "Well he is still talkin' so I guess its going well?"
-
Or perhaps not. The figure on the throne has stretched up to his full height, perhaps 8 or even 9 feet tall.He has become more animated as well, gesticulating with his metallic staff as he speaks to Gandel. He has not though, threatened the halfling with it.
Or did he just do exactly that? He ends his response by pointing it straight at the professor. Hopefully magical bolts don't fire out of that thing. . .
"Oh wise guardian! Truly your mercy is a reflection of the beneficence of the Four Pharaohs of Ascension - all honor and glory to their names! However, we must warn you that agents of the Devil-God Asmodeus seek to enter Ahn-Selota and steal the treasures contained herein or destroy what they cannot take - including the Pact Stone of the Four Pharaohs!"
Ro Ap Han answers (waving his staff):
"When we learned of the Asmodeans' foul plans we traveled here with all haste to try to thwart their designs. When we arrived we were quite disheartened to find the entire pyramid surrounded by their legions. We did what we could to prevent them from unearthing and opening the doorway into Ahn-Selota , but we were unable to cause them more than a minor hindrance. Once the Asmodeans opened the portal they were able to send two squadrons of their men into the pyramid before we were able to make our way past their forces. We found the remains of several of their men in the passageway without, and we are relieved to see that you dispatched any who managed to reach your chamber," Gandel pauses to indicate the two crumpled bodies near the throne.
Ro An Hap answers (speaking more slowly as he looks to the dead slaves on the floor):
"However, we are certain that they will soon send more of their forces into the pyramid. My companions and I have pledged our lives to defend the secrets of the Four Pharaohs contained within Ahn-Selota . We have blocked the entryway for now and have placed new traps, but we fear it is only a matter of time before they send ever-increasing numbers of their men and reach this chamber again. Unfortunately, we have severely depleted our strength in making our way past the Asmodean legions, and need to rest to replenish our resources so that we may help defend the pyramid. Is there a chamber in which we could rest safely? Or a position within the pyramid in which you feel we could provide the most aid in defending the secrets of the Four Pharaohs?"
"Ro Ap Han answers (pointing his staff at Gandel):
When the figure rises from the throne, for a brief instant you spy a shimmer of light filtering across the creatures chest. Perhaps like a mirror or quicksilver.
"Karek!" he whispers as loud as he possibly can to his fellow dwarf, doing his best not to draw too much attention to himself. "Did ya be fer seein' that?! Any idea what the heck it was or is?!"
Gandel bows again to the now agitated guardian and begins to back away, making shooing motions behind his back that only his companions can see as he addresses the figure one last time.
With these words Gandel continues to back out of the chamber, motioning for his companions to follow.
Hal backs out of the chamber with the urging of Gandel.
"So what did that thing say? We've no other way to go I think so if it is not around him then it has got to be through him I think".
The figure appears to calm down as the Dune Squad begins to back away.
*Ro Ap Han is an unusual name. It might be more of a title. It loosely translates into something like "The Portalman" or perhaps the "Man of Doors" or maybe even just a simple doorman.
Slowly, the huge man sits back down on the throne, placing his staff across his lap once more. He stares straight ahead, as though looking straight through you down the entry shaft.
Unless someone else clarifies, it sounds like the Dune Squad is going to exit the chamber and loiter in-between the facade (entrance) and the north side of the bridge.
After the group exits the chamber Gandel gives them a run-down of all that transpired with the mummified guardian.
"We've no other way to go I think so if it is not around him then it has got to be through him I think."
"You're right, Hal. There was no other way out of that chamber," Gandel muses. "And his name was quite unusual. He called himself "THE Ro Ap Han" - which loosely translates into something like "The Portalman" or perhaps the "Man of Doors" or maybe even just a simple doorman." The halfling scholar's voice trails off as he considers the implications of the guardian's name.
The sentinel continues to sit in silence, staring forward into space.
"Why can't we just kill it? If we kill it, we can move freely. It's just sittin' there, doin' nothin'. It only moves when we enter. It's only purpose is to sit there and... and... be a door? I say we kill it. Either that or we become a part of, 'the chosen few'," he shrugs.
"Why can't we just kill it? If we kill it, we can move freely. It's just sittin' there, doin' nothin'. It only moves when we enter. It's only purpose is to sit there and... and... be a door? I say we kill it. Either that or we become a part of, 'the chosen few'," he shrugs.
Gandel's eyes widen as he considers the implications of Breach's statement. "Breach, that's brilliant!" the halfling scholar exclaims. "We can't kill the guardian because it's the only being we've encountered who might be able to tell us how to access the rest of the pyramid. That's discounting the possibility that the guardian's chamber is the sum total of all that's within the pyramid besides the long passageway through which we entered, of course, but I can't imagine that this is all that a pyramid of this size holds. Now if we could figure out a way to disguise ourselves - become a part of the 'chosen few' as Breach said - then perhaps we could trick the guardian into believing that we are the Four Pharaohs of Ascension and their four servants. If we could do that, then maybe we could convince the guardian to show us how to access the rest of the pyramid."
"But how would we disguise ourselves? The Four Pharaohs were Anok Fero the Cerulean Pharaoh, Hetshepsu the Fiend Pharaoh, Ankana the Radiant Pharaoh, and the Pharaoh of Numbers. For the Cerulean Pharaoh we could dress someone all in blue, I suppose; if someone knows the Prestidigitation cantrip then that could be used to alter the color of clothing of whoever is playing that role. Hurgah can look quite fiendish with his claws and fangs - especially when he's enlarged (no offense, Hurgah!) - maybe he could pass as the Fiend Pharaoh. And I'm not sure who would be best as the Radiant Pharaoh or the Pharaoh of numbers. At least one of the 'Pharaohs' would need to be someone who speaks Ancient Osiriani," Gandel adds, looking at Donkor.
"I still have my disguise changing magic," she say with her mischievous grin. "I always thought I'd make a fine goddess. Feel free to worship to add to the effect."
Breach raises and eyebrow, not realizing he mentioned anything of worth. Not going to push the issue, he just rolls with it. "That's a good plan, Gandel. It'll be interestin' ta see how you're gonna pull this one off. We've managed so far but this fella looks like he's gonna be a bit tougher ta fool. Or thing. Or whatever it is."
Not even the archivist has seen actual depictions of the Four Pharaohs. They are almost always represented in writing by their individual symbols. It does seem reasonable that the Cerulean pharaoh had a blue motif, some of the tales seem to support that. It is also possible his name comes from the Cerulean city where he first ruled before joining the conclave or his love of money, much of which was minted in blue-tinged gold. Maybe it is both. Similarly, most accounts depict the Fiend Pharaoh, a great general, as a human who engaged in fiend binding. There are though accounts that he was in fact a tiefling with actual fiendish ancestry. The radiant pharaoh was vain, and it seems likely she dressed in literal radiance. (There is nothing in the known records to suggest she was a child, but it is a good point, as child pharaohs were not unheard of.)
The trickiest of them all though would be the Pharaoh of Numbers. Not even Gandel can recollect having read a description of him. The Pharaoh of Numbers was scholarly to the extreme, so one might imagine he appeared bookish, but that's just an assumption based on today's cultural influence.
-
It doesn't I'm afraid and yeah, she would need to know the spell (and be a bard). So I think that particular potion is beyond you right now. Unless there's some fancy alchemist ability I have overlooked.Right now, I think I am seeing calls for combat, rest and a con - all three very different directions - sounds like we'll need to gather up some consensus or take a straw poll or something.