Ixius yawns and stares blankly into space.
Will save:
That showed an 18 result for me -- I think the dwarf's enthralled by the professor's information and the breadth of his collection. And you were surprised he could read!
The Crook Bearer glances at Ixius and then says apologetically, "I do go on. I just can't stop myself. Now, why did you want to examine this particular piece?"
Sykala is nowhere to be found during the shopping though Ixius of course notices the western eagle playing high in the wind currents and smiles inwardly to himself. Having, with her keen eagle sight, both noticed the ankh shaped building and her companions approaching it she circles the building lazily until they once more emerge from its depths.
Korian is fascinated by the amazing collection and is thrilled just to be in this repository of Orisian history. The Crook Bearer does tend to go a bit though and the young made finds himself wishing he could just explore the place on his own for a while. As well, he feel distracted, as if he should be noticing something but, perhaps because of the distraction of the Crook Bearer's lengthy explanations, he does not seem to be quite catching it.
Looking around to try and see again what he may be missing, Korian, somewhat distractedly asks the older collector " But how could that be Crook Bearer? I did not detect any signs of magic on the statue, how could one have changed the hair on it otherwise? And even more, why would someone do that?
Although he considers relating the related mystery of Neferet to the Crook Bearer, Korian decides not to do so just yet.
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Walking along and taking note of each piece in the collection and politely listening to The Crook Bearer's tales of each piece's origins, Asim's posture changes slightly when the party comes to the feathered mask. He may not be the smartest amongst them, but growing up around his father he was taught to pay attention to objects of Osiriani Culture. He says nothing, carefully moving amongst the group until he is close to Korian and then whispering quietly in his ear. "I believe that the mask we passed earlier may well be the same mask that we are looking for in regards to calling the Pyramid. I amy of course be mistaken, but I think that it may bear some further investigation."
Barely managing to stop himself from slapping his forehead in realization, Korian whispers back "Of course! That's what was bothering me. I can't believe I missed that! You have my thanks Asim!
Waiting for an answer on the statue, Korian begins to furiously churn his brian on how best to bring up the mask without seeming to attract too much attention to it.
Not getting a direct answer to his question, The Crook Bearer begins to pontificate again, "I assumed that you wanted to examine the statuette because you too had noticed the anachronistic juxtaposition of contemporary hair and ancient fashion and I did so want an answer to this riddle. Frankly, it reminded me of the time a expedition returned from a tomb that had been sealed for over 4000 years with a symbol of Iomedae clearly showing from under the wrappings of an Osirion noble's corpse..."
Answering his question may be the only way to shut him up.
Figuring that the somewhat obsessive historian had simply not heard him, Korian repeats his questions with more of an answer this time.
"Yes Yes of course, great collector of artifacts, we did indeed notice the discrepency and sought to solve the mystery. But how could that have happened? That someone had changed the hair of the statue? I did not detect any signs of magic on the item, how could one have changed the hair on it otherwise? Yet even more, why would someone do that? And finally, do you know who the statue is a representation of?"
Figuring that the somewhat obsessive historian had simply not heard him, Korian repeats his questions with more of an answer this time.
"Yes Yes of course, great collector of artifacts, we did indeed notice the discrepency and sought to solve the mystery. But how could that have happened? That someone had changed the hair of the statue? I did not detect any signs of magic on the item, how could one have changed the hair on it otherwise? Yet even more, why would someone do that? And finally, do you know who the statue is a representation of?"
"Magic fades! I'm not sure though that it was done with magic. Truly, I have no idea why someone would change the hair and how such a statuette found its way into an auction of Osirion antiquities ... The statue was a representation of 'The First Mistress of the Emperor's High Clerk' but ..."
The Crook Bearer has no more clue about this than you do.
"Hmmm, interesting. Crook Bearer, do you have any more information on this 'First Mistress' personage? And, what would you say if I told you that we had happened to meet a young lady who bore an uncanny resemblance to this statue here?"
"Hmmm, interesting. Crook Bearer, do you have any more information on this 'First Mistress' personage? And, what would you say if I told you that we had happened to meet a young lady who bore an uncanny resemblance to this statue here?"
"The First Mistress was the seductress who brought an empire to its knees. And, if you have met such a young woman, I'd say she has a very peculiar taste in role models."
"Do you know any more to tell us? Whatever became of this First Mistress for example. And how exactly did she bring an entire empire down? I know it sounds ridiculous, but is there any chance of the young lady we met being the same person?"
As Korian speaks, he tries to recall anything he can of this story of a First Mistress bringing an empire to it's knees.
"Do you know any more to tell us? Whatever became of this First Mistress for example. And how exactly did she bring an entire empire down? I know it sounds ridiculous, but is there any chance of the young lady we met being the same person?"
As Korian speaks, he tries to recall anything he can of this story of a First Mistress bringing an empire to it's knees.
Korian has heard the story and even seen it performed in some of the bawdier theatres. The details aren't repeatable. Historians imagine the story to be somewhere between exaggeration and fabrication. Some doubt there even was a "First Mistress". You have never heard any suggestion of her being immortal.
Knowledge (History): +6 circumstance bonus if it pertains to the pharoahs.
Ixius has already forgotten they were looking for a mask.
Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 12 +6 circumstance bonus if it pertains to the pharoahs.
Ovirid:
By amazing coincidence, you have recently heard an an old bard explain quite confidently that "The First Mistress" is a trivial bit of ancient Osirion erotica and that there definitely was no real person on which she was based. Your keen eye for stonework reveals a slight difference in coloration between the body and the head that tells you that that this statue was quite intentionally altered fairly recently.
Whoever changed it was probably merely a gifted amateur at sculpting.
"Eh? What's 'is? Crook Bearer, might Ah examine th' statue a bit closer? Somethin' is fer catchin' me eye -- even better, if'n Ah ken brin' it over t' th' light o' 'is window, perhaps, o' if'n ye can be fer bringin' it over fer me?"
"Oho! Ah was right! 'ere's th' tell-tale, lads! Ah been lookin' at it like a scholar 'n Ah shoulda been lookin' at it like a dwarf! See 'ow th' tone o' th' color o' th' stone changes 'ere? 'n see 'is faint line between th' 'ead 'n th' body? They weren't fer changin' th' hair o' th' statuette, they changed th' 'ole 'ead!!" He stops, looking around with a triumphant smile.
Seeing some skepticism, he continues, "See 'ere, 'n ere... 'ey were fer pickin' th' right stone -- 'at's why it were s' 'ard to spot -- but th' stone 'n th' body 'as been quarried far, far longer 'an the stone fer th' 'ead. Ah'd be fer guessin' th' head stone 'asn't been 'n th' air fer more 'an twenty years, and probably less. 'oever did it, did it fairly recently. 'n it were no dwarf or master craftsman, fer 'at matter -- 'ey would 'ave 'ad a better match o' th' stone, fer one thin', 'n they woulda 'id 'is 'n 'is much better."
Like a dog worrying a bone, he continues to pick apart the workmanship, taking quietly to himself, unless someone get his attention and brings him back into the conversation.
The Crook Bearer is delighted with Ovirid's discovery and doesn't seem at all put out by having purchased a vandalized artifact. He asks if you have had enough time to examine it and suggests that you have only convinced him of its value not wanted to make him part with it for less than twice what he paid.
An idea striking him Korian leans towards the statue, pretending to get a closer look at it as he whispers to Ovirid 'Hey! See if the head comes off?
An idea striking him Korian leans towards the statue, pretending to get a closer look at it as he whispers to Ovirid 'Hey! See if the head comes off?[/ooc]
An idea striking him Korian leans towards the statue, pretending to get a closer look at it as he whispers to Ovirid 'Hey! See if the head comes off?[/ooc]
The head cannot be removed without breaking it off.
While Ovirid is messing with the stuatue, and partially to cover him, Korian finally brings up the mask with the Crook Bearer. Without going into more detail than necessary, the young mage outlines their plan to explore the Tomb of the Emperor Gods, and eventually comes to that they have learned the mask is related to some part of the temple mystery (he very specifically does not indicate that they cannot get in without it.) Being as Diplomatic and Charming () as he can, Korian begins negotiations with the collector, subtly indicating that, if he is willing to loan the party the mask, that they would be willing to cut him in on some small share of the findings, and, more importantly perhaps, hidden knowledge and secrets of the tomb; knowledge and secrets that his main competitor would not have access to.
The Crook Bearer listens intently to Korian's request and then speaks quickly and precisely in a voice that will accept no compromise or negotiation, "The mask stays in the hands of two of my own men who will accompany you to the site of the expedition but not enter into the site if said site poses any potential risk. Upon completion of the expedition, the mask is returned into their possession and they will accompany you back to Sothis. For lending you the mask, I receive right to first pick amongst artifacts found up to a value of approximately 10% of the value of goods found with the option of purchasing with gold at reasonable price a further 10% -- with values of artifacts to be determined by agreement between reputable independent appraisers of our selections. Agreed?"
'First pick of everything you're aware of us bringing out' Korian thinks to himself as he, shows some reluctance but finally acceptance of the very hard bargain the Bearer demands and sticks out his hand (or spits on his palm or does what ever passes for sealing a deal in these parts)
Just before he makes the pact binding gesture though, something inside him, perhaps spite, perhaps curiosity, perhaps just the desire not to let the Bearer get the final say, makes him add
"But we get to keep this statuette here, or the deal is off."
The dwarf continues to "study" so as to hide any surprise he might feel from the dealings. He trusts Korian to work the best deal he can.
The Crook Bearer tries to hide a smile that suggests that he's planned this all along, or that he wants you to think that he planned this all along, or that he wants you to think he only wants you to think that he planned this all along.
The Crook Bearer tries to hide a smile that suggests that he's planned this all along, or that he wants you to think that he planned this all along, or that he wants you to think he only wants you to think that he planned this all along.
Ovirid knows his skills are not sufficient to "borrow" something while the owner is standing before them, but as he's studying artifacts, he's also examining the various entrances to the room looking for those traps and wards that were mentioned earlier.
Perception vs. Traps
Craft (Trapmaking)
The Crook Bearer tries to hide a smile that suggests that he's planned this all along, or that he wants you to think that he planned this all along, or that he wants you to think he only wants you to think that he planned this all along.
Ovirid knows his skills are not sufficient to "borrow" something while the owner is standing before them, but as he's studying artifacts, he's also examining the various entrances to the room looking for those traps and wards that were mentioned earlier.
Perception vs. Traps 1d20 + 13
Craft (Trapmaking) 1d20 + 14
Ovirid:
The deal being made, the Crook Bearer orders his men to depart with you immediately, bringing the mask with them. They make their preparations quickly and professionally.
Perception
Sykala might still be flying around?
Ixius will follow Asim.
Perception:
Korian will take the middle of the group, instructing the guard carrying the mask to proceed just in front of him. The second guard can stay in the back, with either him or Ovirid at the rear
A ray of searing flame from a nearby rooftop, narrowly misses Asim, striking the sandy stones of the road near his feet. Both Asim and Ovirid see a figure on a rooftop.
A ray of searing flame from a nearby rooftop, narrowly misses Asim, striking the sandy stones of the road near his feet. Both Asim and Ovirid see a figure on a rooftop.
Tarren:
"'ere! On th' roof!"
Ovirid stops and scans the crowd looking for other threats, finding a single ranged assassin unlikely.
Perception:
Initiative:
First round action will likely be to ready his shield and move to protect Korian while drawing a throwing axe from his belt. He will also try to get the group to move to the side of the street where the attacker's perch lies as it will be harder for the attacker to target them. Also, if he cannot see them, they might be able to prepare an effective counterattack. Or escape, if that's the preference.
"'ere! On th' roof!"Ovirid stops and scans the crowd looking for other threats, finding a single ranged assassin unlikely.
Perception: 1d20 + 11
Initiative: 1d20 + 3
First round action will likely be to ready his shield and move to effective counterattack. Or escape, if that's the preference.
protect Korian while drawing a throwing axe from his belt. He will also try to get the group to move to the side of the street where the attacker's perch lies as it will be harder for the attacker to target them. Also, if he cannot see them, they might be able to prepare an
The sun is behind the person (probably not an accident) making recognizing him difficult. He or she is lean and about 5' 6" tall. The building is a two story building with shops on one level and apartments above. Most of these buildings have stone stairs on the side that lead up to the apartments, but rarely do the stairs lead all the way to the roof.
Ovirid thought he saw someone hiding in a doorway on the opposite side of the street, but that figure is gone before he can focus.
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Initiative:
Asim grips his Double Axe before him and takes a step towards the figure on the roof, before realizing that trying to catch him up ther is probably futile. He stands his ground and looks around the crowd for anyone else who might be heading in for an ambush attack so that he might take a swing at them.
"What!?" Although he initially misses the man on the roof Ixius sees the ray and returns fire in kind.
Initiative:
Frowning in annoyance more than anything, Korian makes quick gesture and speaks a single word and suddenly three dagger shaped bolts of force come shooting out of his hands to unerringly strike the assailant.
Magic Missile Damage:
Immediately after casting the spell, Korian moves to the token shelter of the building under the assassin, while quickly looking around for any further signs of danger.Perception:
Concerned more about the mask than anything he hisses to the man carrying it "Quickly you fool! Against the building here!"
1d20+13