Krenshar places her thumb against her forehead hard at the news of Asim, leaving a red mark representing an eye open to the spirit world. "Blessings on Asim," she says before quickly becoming all business like. "Yes, there's a problem with Cheliax. A wealthy amateur treasure seeker seems to have actually stumbled on something worthwhile. It seems that your discovery of the location of the Tomb of the Four Pharoahs gave them the location they needed to find another tomb ... a possibly more important one. As she has been encouraged in her pursuits by Cheliax, and was given a vital clue by them, they've been invited to the party but we were discouraged from attending. It's not really fair is it? If Cheliax hadn't stolen the location of the Tomb of the Four Pharoahs from you, she would never have found this tomb..."
Sykala gives a less than happy exasperated sigh at the mention of yet another tomb...
Giving a murderous stare at the Paracount, sure that he had been the one to pass on the stolen information, Korian is quick to speak up "Captain, I, we, all, have had more than enough dealings with Chelaxians" this with a quick kick at the Paracount, not enough to really damage, but more than enough to express his anger and contempt "to know that they are up to no good and will stop at nothing to steal our treasures. I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we would be happy to foil the designs of the foul devil worshipers and secure any atifacts for The Society. Plus, the idea of knowing that this one will be rotting in some dank dungeon while we find the items and secrets he so desperately wanted shall fill me with nothing but pleasure." and this last with the smarmiest of smiles at his prisoner.
The Paracount gives you a 'you-think-you-have-defeated-me' smile and returns to the silent treatment he has been giving you. He's looking a bit cocky.
"Oh, you won't need to plunder this one," answer Krenshar. "Quite the opposite, in fact. What we need you to do is to slow things down. The expedition has already begun, but within a week a caravan of new slaves will be heading out to the dig. Join them or head out to the dig on your own. Infiltrate it. Whatever you need to do. Just cause enough chaos until ..."
She looks at the Paracount and pauses. "Akkhunis, why isn't this man in a cell? Silencing restraints and an anti-magic field, please."
Akkhunis drags the Paracount away for the very specialized treatment prisoners of the Osirion Pathfinder Society Lodge get.
Esteban has not returned.
Watching the Paracount being lead off Sykala blurts out after he is gone, "He bad man. He from Chel-axe. He go loot new rock-grave when let go." She stands up straighter from where she was stooping next to the weasel and frowns, "I not like Chel-axe. Want gold like Es-te-ban. If Korian want go then we make much trouble for Chel-axe." She then grins widely and points down at Jinx, "We want know....does man-cow use horns for protecting or fight for mate?" She mimics horns with her fingers next to her head as she says this last.
Watching the Paracount being lead off Sykala blurts out after he is gone, "He bad man. He from Chel-axe. He go loot new rock-grave when let go." She stands up straighter from where she was stooping next to the weasel and frowns, "I not like Chel-axe. Want gold like Es-te-ban. If Korian want go then we make much trouble for Chel-axe."
"Does anyone care to translate?" the Venture-Captain asks glancing at Korian, then Akkhunis.
She then grins widely and points down at Jinx, "We want know....does man-cow use horns for protecting or fight for mate?" She mimics horns with her fingers next to her head as she says this last.
"Oh, I don't think Akkhunis needs to fight for mates. From what I've seen, ..." a sharp poke in the side cuts her off.
Akkhunis speaks up then, "So. Here's what you need to know. Khymrasa, an Osirion noble, has been searching for the location of a tomb called Ahn'Selota for years with some advice and research support from Cheliax. Ahn'Selota is known as 'The Pact Stone Pyramid'. Signficant to the Four Pharoahs. Shortly after you left last month, she started to buy massive amounts of slaves. We've been wondering why. She left with her slave army into the desert three days ago. Venture-Captain Krenshar went to visit the site to find out why. It's what we thought. She's got her slaves digging outside of Tumen, unburying a pyramid--THE pyramid."
"But," interrupts Krenshar, "The Pathfinder Society has other ideas. I've been in telepathic contact with the Decemvirate. They want their man Hoffenburrow into the pyramid first but Hoffenburrow's on a ship somewhere and they can't even teleport him here until he docks. The Decemvirate says Hoffenburrow believes there is something in that pyramid that is more valuable than gold or ancient magic and which neither Cheliax nor Khymrasa will appreciate. I don't know what that is."
With a miffed look the druidess throws up her hands, "Pedich i lam edhellen?"
If you speak Elvish:
With a miffed look the druidess throws up her hands, "Pedich i lam edhellen?"
If you speak Elvish: ** spoiler omitted **
Krensharr replies in the affirmative. She speaks Elven.
When the Paracount gives his cocky look, Korian frowns slightly, yet when his enemy is dragged out, it is not the mage's turn to grin in triumph.
After the explanations of the Captains and Sykala's deceleration and question Korian, having gotten somewhat used to the Druidess' speech opens his mouth to translate. Yet he is interrupted by the Druidness and closes his mouth, instead raising one eyebrow 'I hadn't known she spoke Elvish'
Turning back to Captian Krenshar he says "Regarding our Prisoner captain, if he should happen to end up in the darkest, dankest cell, I'd appreciate it. I probably should have just killed him but I thought he would suffer more being alive and knowing I was going after what he sought. At least we've seen the last of him though."
Considering for a moment all he knows of 'The Pact Stone Pyramid'.
Knowledge(history):
Then continues "How free of a hand would we have in disturbing their operation? Should I assume that you prefer no violence? Or are the gloves off?"
Ovirid keeps quiet, listening. He also considers what he knows of the pyramid in question
Knowledge (history)
With a look of relief, the druidess speaks with lilting flowing sounds very alien to the guttural broken language she tortures you all with normally, In elvish:
Tarren:
Korian shares what he knows about the Four Pharaohs and then turns to Sykala.
In Elvish
"By Pharaoh's beard my dear Druidess! I must say, how refreshing to hear you speak so eloquently! As I, too, speak the fair tongue, please feel free to communicate with me in this manner whenever you choose."
"In fact, perhaps now while we think of it is a good time to ask. I know already that Ovirid and I shall several languages, but do either of you, Sykala or Ixius, speak any other tongues?"
Ovirid adds, "If'n Ah 'member right, th' Pac' Stone 's 'ow th' Pharoahs were s' powerful. No 'n knows 'ere 't be from, mebbe th' planet Aucturn. Some say th' stone 'ould grant great power."
"Slow down the dig," says Krenshar in answer to Korian's question. "Do it subtly if you can. If you can be subtle in your violence be subtle, although I have no heart for killing slaves myself."
Ovirid chuckles, "Ah c'n slow down anythin'."
"In fact, perhaps now while we think of it is a good time to ask. I know already that Ovirid and I shall several languages, but do either of you, Sykala or Ixius, speak any other tongues?"
Her surprised smile shows she is greatly pleased to hear the Elven words slip so easily off Korian's tongue, In Elvish: "I do speak others. My 'native' language of Sylvan, the language of the air, and the 'druid's cant'. I would be happy to speak with you in Elvish from now on as your common language makes 'little sense' in how it is spoken. Does Ovirid speak Elvish too?" This last half directed at Ovirid himself with a hopeful look.
The blindfolded dwarf turns toward the druid, "Eh? Ah 'eard me name, lass, but 'at didja say?"
Elvish: "Ah no my dear Sykala. While Ovirid is indeed one of the smartest Dwarves I no, I do not think the more melodic sounds of the elvish tongue could ever make it through that beard of his" the young mage says with a smile and wink at his old friend "But yes Sykala let the two of us at least comminicate this way from now on"
Turning to Krenshar he says "Understood perfectly Captain. And Ovirid is right, I don't know anyone better at breaking things than him." This time grinning widely at the Dwarf "When would you like us to depart?"
"Khymrasa has her men buying up more slaves in Sothis now. We believe she will expect a shipment of slaves to depart Sothis at the end of the week. You could travel with them or, if you wanted, infiltrate the camp around the time of their arrival. There should be a lot of new faces at that time, so it would not be difficult to blend in."
"Ah, now yer no' playin' fair. Ah c'n 'ear m' name 'n 'at ye be sayin'. N' fair talkin' 'bout a dwarf 'n a language 'n 'e canna be knowin' 'at ye be sayin'!"
Her frustration not only at having to switch back to this crude confusing language but having to try and continue to decipher the heavy dwarven accent plainly evident on her face, "I speak elf. You no speak. I not get much what say. You not get much what I say." She calms down somewhat and takes a deep breath, "I try talk so you get."
As the group continue there discusion a new figure enters the room Standing at about 5 and a half foot and appearing to be in her early 20's the young woman wears a Pinkish red breastplate with a glaive tied to her back, her long red hair tied back in a ponytail
Refina she quietly waits at the side for the moment apparantly not wanting to interrupt the discusion.
Taking some pity on his old companion Korian says "Turns out our Druidess is quite fluent in Elvish you old scoundrel. She and I were just discussing the blessings of never having to worry about growing a bird's nest under our chins." barely containing his mirth as he does so.
Then turning to the Captain again he continues "I won't speak for my companions on this but personally the idea of traveling with a caravan of slaves is not one I consider pleasant. We shall discuss it amongst ourselves but to my tastes anyway the idea of infiltrating is a more appealing one. Before we part company though Captain is there any other information, or any items you may have which you feel might aid us in our mission?"
As the priest is led in, Korian immediately spots her and says offhandedly "Ah, you must be the healer? I'll update you quickly. We have have all been struck with a rather dire curse which will turn us into living undead should we see one more blasted rune. Please start with our Dwarven friend here as he has been in forced blindness the longest. See what you can do to aid us, and if you need any help or further information from us, just ask."
He then turns away from her, dismissing her from his mind for the moment as he waits for Krenshar's answer.
"Lass, Ah'm fer unnerstandin' ye fine. Ah thought ye might be part dwarf when we met, but ye dinnae 'ave th' bones fer 't."
Listening to Korian, Ovirid bursts out, "Blessin' o' nev' 'avin' t' worry 'bout... what!!!!" Ovirid spits and sputters for a moment. "N', ye listen 'ere, lad. First th' lass goes grabbin' me beard 'n n' ye' 'r insultin' 't - 'tis 'lmost 'nough t' let ye go out int' th' desert by yerself 'is time...."
He fumes (ok, pouts), still standing in the same spot in the room where he parked himself when they arrived. All this time waiting for the curse to be lifted and he doesn't even realize that his salvation has arrived...
With a small giggle despite herself at the image of a nest of hungry little chicks all demanding food loudly from the dwarf's beard enters her mind she suddenly feels a kinship with the short hairy man and gives him a big hug, "Is ok. I not speak it well either."
Akkhunis elbows Refina into the room and clears his throat. "Someone ordered a healer?"
The dwarf's head whips around, his beard swinging, "Aye, Ah been waitin' fer a 'ealer!"
Refina shoots a quick glare at Akkhunis for the shove before quikly regaining her composure. "Ahem er yes well I can help with that hopefully so what seems to be the problem?"
"'tis a long story, miss. 'ere be a curse 'ere if'n ye see all four o' a set of special runes, ye be turned t' undead. Ah 'n most o' me friends 'ave seen three o' th' four. We be wantin' t' remove th' curse 'fore one o' 's sees th' fourth rune by mistake."
He takes a deep breath, "'at's why Ah be wearin' th' blindfold. Ah be very tired o' 'idin' me eyes, let me tell ye."
Sykala releases the dwarf and nods in agreement, "He hunt good at night. Much practice." She slightly frowns to herself recalling the dwarf seems to see just fine in the dark, "He not need I think most time. Help with sand in eyes.....I guess."
Ixius lights up with a charming grin when the newcomer arrives. "I took off my blindfold but I also have the curse. I'm glad I did now."
"Okay curses I should be able to help with is it just you two or do any of the others need cured as well and are any of you in greater need than the rest?"
The breeze swirling through the druidess' hair in a agitated and erratic manner she approaches the newcomer, "We all need." She however points to Ovirid first, "He need most. He not see sky long time." Sykala then chitters to Jinx.
Seeing the way the group responds to the newcomer, Akkhunis nudges her again, "Don't worry. They grow on you."
"Well if it is all of you this may take a while so best get started then."
She approaches Ovrid and places a hand on his head making a brief prayer (Although Ovrid could swear he hears her mumble something about what sort of people would abuse art like this).
Remove curse casting
In Weasel
"Well if it is all of you this may take a while so best get started then."
She approaches Ovrid and places a hand on his head making a brief prayer (Although Ovrid could swear he hears her mumble something about what sort of people would abuse art like this).
Remove curse casting
1d20 + 7
Ovirid feels a sense of relief easing a pressure he hadn't known was there, as if his ears just popped.
Sykala laughs at Jinx's comment.
Krenshar waits for the healer to begin her work before answering Korian, "Yes, two things: One, don't underestimate Khymrasa. She may not be an experienced treasure hunter, but she has connections and she has the backing of Cheliax. Take her seriously and be careful. Two, I have a spy inside the camp. I believe you've met her before. She goes by the name, 'The Mithral Scarab'. She's already working to slow the dig but she'll need help. I just hope this Hoffenburrow gets here soon.
"Thank ye, lass. 'oo's 's Art 'n 'oo 's abusin' 'im?"
After her prayer, he asks, "Ah, lass, ye work miracles. Thanks t' ye 'n yer god." As he pulls off his blindfold, he amends his statement, "Er, me apol'gies, me thanks t' ye 'n yer goddess."
"Ah 'ave t' agree wit' Korian. Slaves 'ouldna 'ave much chance t' carry much equipment..."
"Youre welcome" Refina responds before turning to Ixius "Okay you next" She then repeats the same process on him
"Unfortunately that is the castings of that spell I can do today." She apologises to the remaining two"Im aftaid uoi will have to wait till tommorow unless anyone here happens to have a scroll or two of it?"
Krenshar nods her appreciation to Refina and says, "If it suits you, you may remain in the lodge for the night. We have ample space."
Turning to the party she asks, "Do you have any questions for me before I retire. I've had a very long journey and need to bathe."
Ixius bows deeply as his curse is removed. "I am forever in your debt my dear." he says.
Then he turns to Ovirid, as dense as ever. "The Mithril Scarab? Didin't she die?"
Krenshar nods her appreciation to Refina and says, "If it suits you, you may remain in the lodge for the night. We have ample space."
Turning to the party she asks, "Do you have any questions for me before I retire. I've had a very long journey and need to bathe."
"N' ma'am, but Ah 'm 'n yer debt. Thank ye fer yer 'ospital'ty."
"Th' Mithr'l Scar'b? She was 'ealthy last Ah saw 'er. Yer thinkin' o' th' other girl..."
His beady little eyes sparkling mischeviessly, the little weasel nods his head at Sykala and promptly runs over and bites Ixius on the ankle.
Meanwhile Korian is speaking to Krenshar "Understood again Captain. We've had a helpful run in with the Mithral Scarab before, she seems a competent woman. Unless the others want to add something I think that should be all for...Jinx! What are you doing!"