Tomb of the Emperor Gods -- PbP

Game Master Tarren Dei

You are about 300' away. The caravanserai is a bit apart from Sothis and right now you can blend into the dust and traffic of the city but as you approach, you will become more obvious.

Merry Christmas:

** spoiler omitted **

You guys saw this, right?

You guys saw this, right?

** spoiler omitted **

Aye, and was apparently too ill-mannered to thank you for it. It's appreciated and noted in Ovirid's character sheet. Thanks!

You are about 300' away. The caravanserai is a bit apart from Sothis and right now you can blend into the dust and traffic of the city but as you approach, you will become more obvious.

"Aye, there's little t' be gained by rushin' in right now. Better t' be fer joinin' wit' a larger caravan 'n join 'em where they be goin'."

What direction are we from the caravanserai? How far is Neferet from it?

Yes, Thank You Tarren; although as Korian is now considering becoming celibate for the rest of his, he may not have too many opportunities to use his gift ;-) PS And how busy/populated is the Cavaranserai right now? PS Like the Wailer! Very well done entry T.

You are south of the caravanserai. Neferet -- or the woman you know as Neferet -- is riding in from the east and is about the same distance as you are from it.

There are a few other people (four or five) at the caravanserai but the Paracount's men far outnumber them.

Yes, thank you very much for the Christmas gift. Wailer is intriguing. Love the mysterious behavior pattern and good luck. We'll see how my Superstar 2010 wondrous item entry does. First time trying something like this out.

Tarren:

In answer to Ovirid's astute observation the angry young mage can be heard to mumble "I bet a Fireball would slow them down some." but then louder, as his eyes murderously track the traitorous Neferet he sighs and says,
"Let us halt for a moment while we can still remain unseen. You make a good point my friend, but when might this next largest caravan be heading out? I do not see one gathering now, and if we wait until the next one I fear our enemies will have too much of a lead on us. Camel Spit!"

With this last expletive, the furious young man furrows his brow as he tries to think of the best way to gain the mask back.

After a moment he says "Perhaps we could follow them at a distance and then wait until they camp at night, sneak up on them and try and steal the mask back?"

Tarren, I don't suppose there's any way Korian could lob a fireball on them (you know, just for fun) without hitting the bystanders?

Tarren, I don't suppose there's any way Korian could lob a fireball on them (you know, just for fun) without hitting the bystanders?

You might be able to but first you'd have to accurately detect which of these guys are bystanders. Perception check to do so?

Tarren the Dungeon Master wrote:

Merry Christmas:

** spoiler omitted **

You guys saw this, right?

** spoiler omitted **

Yes, and thank you!

Squinting his eyes, Korian tries to figure out exactly which of those near the caravanserai are part of the Paracount's group and which are not.
Perception:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
If he can do so, and be sure of not injuring any innocents or structures, and as well if he can covertly cast the spell using his roguish talents,
Slight of Hand:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
the young mage will time it until after Neferet is the AOE and then unleash a Fireball on the group.
Fireball:5d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 2, 5, 3) = 16

I'm assuming that, as it is only a glowing pea sized bead until it detonates, it should be next to impossible for the Paracount's group to tell where it came from, yes? The Slight of Hand is mainly to no one nearby us can tell that Korian did it. If possible or necessary, he'll use the camel of something for cover to be even more discreet in his casting. If he fails the Perception check then all the rest is moot as he doesn't cast the spell.

Korian sees two possibilities. There is one cluster of eight of the paracount's men gathered around one young woman (civilian) who is distributing water. Only one civilian would likely be killed if you detonated a fireball there but you'd take out most of the Paracount's chelish legionnaires. Off to the side, there are three more legionnaires taking care of some of the mounts. Your choice.

Are you are saying it's impossible to get the Paracount without getting more civilians? And as well that it's impossible to get Neferet? If the two choices you mentioned are the Only two, Korian will not injure in innocent civilian unnecessarily no matter how angry he is and will go for the three legionnaires instead. And although Sykala probably won't like it, taking out some mounts will likely hurt our enemies as well.

Are you are saying it's impossible to get the Paracount without getting more civilians? And as well that it's impossible to get Neferet? If the two choices you mentioned are the Only two, Korian will not injure in innocent civilian unnecessarily no matter how angry he is and will go for the three legionnaires instead. And although Sykala probably won't like it, taking out some mounts will likely hurt our enemies as well.

Yes, the Paracount, Neferet, Esteban, and the other key figures were more central.

That sounds fair to me Tarren and thanks for explaining. The only thing I may add is that Korian was specifically timing his blast and aim to include Neferet just as she got within range, if that's possible. If not, still going with the 3 Legionaries and mounts.

Perception 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14 to notice the spellcasting

EDIT: "'ey, where did 'at big ball o' fire come from?

The detonation of the fireball creates a great deal of chaos with people running in all directions and camels trampling the Paracount's men. One burning camel looks like it is about to charge straight into the caravanserai but charges past it before throwing itself onto the sand. Although it is hard to keep track of who is who in the chaos, you don't believe anyone died. A slightly scorched and furious Neferet stands hands on hips staring in the direction of city, the only one who doesn't seem surprised.

Back amongst the last few tents surrounding Sothis, villagers are scrambling about screaming and calling for the guards. "Dragon!" yells one. Others begin to pick it up and soon are pointing, trying to point out the direction the dragon went.

Asim looks to Korian with an incredulous look upon his face. "What... why..." His face takes on a resigned look and he reaches to grab his Double Axe, preparing for a fight, although so far it looks as though the Chelish group have yet to figure out where the blast came from. With the panic about to errupt though it could make getting to them difficult, or it could clear them a path directly there. Either way, he was going to be ready to go.

Asim looks to Korian with an incredulous look upon his face. "What... why..." His face takes on a resigned look and he reaches to grab his Double Axe, preparing for a fight.

He didn't tell us he was casting -- did you make the Perception check to realize what he did?

"Heh. Ain't that fer beatin' all - couldna be fer 'appenin' t' a nicer group o' thieves. Mayhap we should be fer followin' 'n seein' what other bad luck comes their way, hmm?"

Ovirid makes no motion toward his weaponry, sitting much more at ease on his mount (since it's not moving).

"We should be fer makin' like we are not fer watchin'. Yer lass is lookin' fer ye over 'ere." With that, the dwarf, gingerly eases his camel into motion, trying to move in behind the others slowly to disguise the number of animals they present.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24

Sykala tracks the exploding orb back to it's source. Perhaps the chaos will give me the opening I am looking for..."

Perception: 1d20+13

Sykala tracks the exploding orb back to it's source. Perhaps the chaos will give me the opening I am looking for..."

Is Sykala sticking around the caravanserai or heading back to the rest of the party?

Sticking around the caravanserai. She will attempt to stay in the sun to make it difficult to spot her.

The Paracount and his allies are quick to charge off on the other side of the caravanserai. It takes the minions longer to gain control of the camels and follow them.

She will stick with the Paracount. About 100' feet up.

Perception to locate our feathered friend 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

With a satisfied and viscous little smile on his face Korian says mostly to himself "Well, that should slow them down some at least."

Then turning to his companions he says "I'm thinking that perhaps we should follow them at a distance, using Sykala as our guide. And then, at night, we can sneak up upon them and attack or try and steal the mask back. Unless anyone has any better ideas? Also, we better check what supplies we have if we're heading out into the great sands."

And putting action to word, Korian checks the saddle bags of his camels to see what, if any, supplies it is carrying.

"Sounds good. Sykala will stay with them, nd even if we lose them she will come back to us."

Ixius looks in his bags as well.

"Sounds good. Sykala will stay with them, nd even if we lose them she will come back to us."

Ixius looks in his bags as well.

I notice Ixius has a canoe. That should come in handy. ;-)

The last place to buy supplies before heading out into the desert has closed its doors temporarily due to an attack by an invisible red dragon. If you need to purchase anything, you'll have to head back into town or wait for them to put the burning camels out.

I notice Ixius has a canoe. That should come in handy. ;-)

Skoff while you can. We just have to figure out how to make it a) fly above a pyramid or b) put runners and a sail on it, then navigate it across the plain of glass.

Actually, he has it dragging behind the camel; a sled for all the loot he thinks he is going to get from the pyramid. Seriously though, I imagine that was left behind in the jungle.

Sooooo, canoe aside, what did we all find in the saddle bags?

Sooooo, canoe aside, what did we all find in the saddle bags?

What saddle bags? Your saddle bags? Check your equipment list.

Ah, perhaps my bad then, I was assuming that the camels we 'borrowed' would have had saddle bags on them already. Guess not?

Ah, perhaps my bad then, I was assuming that the camels we 'borrowed' would have had saddle bags on them already. Guess not?

Some empty ones, maybe, attached to their saddles but those boys were just guarding the camels for a few copper pieces.

Asim Hassona wrote:

Asim looks to Korian with an incredulous look upon his face. "What... why..." His face takes on a resigned look and he reaches to grab his Double Axe, preparing for a fight.

He didn't tell us he was casting -- did you make the Perception check to realize what he did?

Whoops

Perception Check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Asim watches the Paracount and his men rush away andbreathes a small sigh of relief. Taking on so many in a crowded place wasn't his idea of a a good time anyway.
"Well unless these saddle bags are full," "which I sincerely hope", "then we're going to have to get some supplies before we head out after them and unless I'm mistaken that explosion is going to make it next to impossible to do that here, so we best be off and leave traking them to Sykala for the moment."

Ovirid Thorvirson wrote:

He didn't tell us he was casting -- did you make the Perception check to realize what he did?

Whoops

;-)

Asim watches the Paracount and his men rush away and breathes a small sigh of relief. Taking on so many in a crowded place wasn't his idea of a a good time anyway.

"Well unless these saddle bags are full," "which I sincerely hope", "then we're going to have to get some supplies before we head out after them and unless I'm mistaken that explosion is going to make it next to impossible to do that here, so we best be off and leave traking them to Sykala for the moment."

"Aye, lad, ye've got th' right o' it. Ah'd like t' 'ave some'un over 'ere watchin' 'em scurry, but Ah think they know us all b' now. We should at least 'ave a couple stay 'ere t' watch 'n case 'ey double back 'n us. Th' rest go fer supplies, 'ey?"

"Well either Korian or myself have both been in the desert before, but I think I am probably less known to them than he is, not to mention the fact I am less likely to try attacking them in by myself," he glances at Korian, "so I will stay and keep tabs on them while the rest of you go for the supplies. Be as quick as you can though."
With that, he starts to move his camel off after the retreating group, squinting up to see if he can spot Sykala's form against the sun.

Perception Check to spot Sykala: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

"Well either Korian or myself have both been in the desert before, but I think I am probably less known to them than he is, not to mention the fact I am less likely to try attacking them in by myself," he glances at Korian, "so I will stay and keep tabs on them while the rest of you go for the supplies. Be as quick as you can though."

With that, he starts to move his camel off after the retreating group, squinting up to see if he can spot Sykala's form against the sun.

Perception Check to spot Sykala: 1d20 + 9

Asim can't spot Sykala at this distance. At least not with that perception check.

Asim sees a group of six Sothis guards riding out from the east towards the caravanserai.

Although obviously irked at the idea of having to abandon the chase of the Paracount and his cronies for the moment, Korian nods in agreement at the logic of his friends and turns his camel to lead the others to the closest place to get supplies.
whether at the Lodge or some dessert supply depot or some such
Knowledge Local:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Although obviously irked at the idea of having to abandon the chase of the Paracount and his cronies for the moment, Korian nods in agreement at the logic of his friends and turns his camel to lead the others to the closest place to get supplies.

whether at the Lodge or some dessert supply depot or some such
Knowledge Local:1d20+9

Lots of places not far from here. You are in a row of tents and huts that surround the markets.

Asim can't spot Sykala at this distance. At least not with that perception check.

I figured as much

Asim sees a group of six Sothis guards riding out from the east towards the caravanserai.

Interesting, thinks Asim to himself. [smallerI think maybe it's worth following a little closer to see how this plays out.[/smaller]

The Sothis guards circle around and then, when they've looked at it from all sides, ride into the caravanserai. One dismounts and begins to speak to the family that runs it.

Asim moves his camel close to see if he can catch what the guards are saying.

Perception Check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
>:/

Asim moves his camel close to see if he can catch what the guards are saying.

Perception Check: 1d20 + 9
>:/

The guards are gathering information on the direction the fire-breathing, camel-eating dragon went and how many camels he took with him.

OOC (spoilered for Length)

Already being prepared himself for a trek into the harsh desert wastes Korian turns to Ovirid and Ixius "This is our last chance to prepare for our journey to the Tomb. The Desert is the most unforgiving of mistresses, and unpreparedness is lethal. If you need anything now, let me know and let us be about it quickly."
Knowledge Nature:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27 anything important he(I) may be forgetting?

The guards are gathering information on the direction the fire-breathing, camel-eating dragon went and how many camels he took with him.

Asim moves in towards the guards and goes up to the one he thinks may be in charge.

Tarren the Dungeon Master wrote:

The guards are gathering information on the direction the fire-breathing, camel-eating dragon went and how many camels he took with him.

Asim moves in towards the guards and goes up to the one he thinks may be in charge.

"If I may. My name is Asim Hassona and I believe that the large group of Chelaxian men that just left for the desert may be involved. They recently stole something from us, an item that we have on loan from the Crook Bearer. Therefore they have in essence stolen from the Crook Bearer, something which I believe he will not be too happy about. We believe they are on their way to loot some of our most sacred sites and return them to Cheliax. My companions have left to gather supplies so that we may follow and attempt to apprehend these villains. Anything that you good gentlemen can do to assist us and of course that we can do to assist you would be most welcome."

The men look back and forth from each other, "You want us to help you assist the Crook Bearer? Sothis most notorious dealer in stolen artifacts?"

If Asim cashes in his Christmas bonus:

If Asim does not cash in his Christmas bonus:

The men look back and forth from each other, "You want us to help you assist the Crook Bearer? Sothis most notorious dealer in stolen artifacts?"

If Asim cashes in his Christmas bonus:

Spoiler:

"Only if you promise to put in a good word for him with us. He pays thrice what I get now."

"He may be a dealer in stolen Artifact, yes, but at least he tries to keep them in Osirion is possible, which is more than can be said for most Black Market Dealers." "My father included," he adds with a whisper.

"Then," says one of the men smiling. "Gather your friends quickly. The good people in that caravanserai will sell whatever you need, but best to do it before dozens more guards arrive and start asking questions of every traveller."

Asim thanks the guards and races after his companions to pull them up before they all leave to go after supplies.
"I have called in a favour with the local guards and the merchants there will sell us what we need. That will undoubtedly cut their lead down considerably. Let us make haste."
With that, he turns and heads back over to the caravanserai to see what they have available.