You find yourselves at one of Lady Gloriana Morilla’s estates, just outside of Oppara. When all are assembled and refreshments have been served, she gets down to the business at hand.
”A Taldan merchant named Hanoris Dellum contacted me recently with an very intriguing proposition; one he promises will make the Society incredibly wealthy and even more famous. Normally I wouldn’t be bothered to entertain this type of proposition; after all, the Society certainly lacks for neither wealth nor fame...or infamy, for that matter. But my curiosity was piqued when he mentioned that it involved a disgraced Taldan family—the Adellas. He claims to be the last living scion of this family, if you can believe that! While I’m certainly skeptical about his claim, he also mentioned he thinks he’s located the family’s legendary—at this point practically mythical—secure and remote boneyard, known to time as the Tomb of the Iron Medusa.”
”I’m asking you four to go meet with this Hanoris Dellum and find out more. He wishes to meet this next Oathday at a remote roadside inn northeast of Zimar, called the Lion Sleeps Inn, and he is insisting on absolute discretion. I’m afraid that’s about all I can tell you at this point. I’m counting on you to see where his intriguing claims lead.”
About the Adellas: Knowledge (history or nobility)
and the cross-eyed medusa (Daellum).
The Sardisi clan was the first to fall. The Sardisis became preoccupied with pleasure and self-indulgence. The last of the clan, Drusus Adella, was known more for the fanatical devotion of his five daughters than for any significant accomplishments. Indeed, his lack of achievement was so profound he eventually retreated in shame to a self-imposed exile. By this time his daughters had been married off to important aristocrats, who were acutely sensitive to public humiliation. Their husbands forbade you any contact or correspondence with their disgraced father. Soon after the lonely and destitute Drusus committed suicide, opening his veins in the bath of a seedy Absalom brothel, his five daughters became infamous for murdering their husbands in 4222 and then vanishing from society.
These five scandalous murders had no clear connection to the other two clans, yet they triggered a cascade of increasing bad luck and ill fortune upon the family nevertheless. The Voxus branch was next to fall. Known for their nautical prowess, members of the Voxus clan traced their lineage back to Pasco Adella, admiral of the Taldan Third Fleet during the 42nd century and veteran of over a hundred sea battles. Later generations would exploit their family’s seafaring renown to become great import/export tycoons, controlling vast fleets of merchant ships plying the oceans of Golarion. But this branch of the Adella family withered during a literal civil war between twin brothers Vespacio and Vincenzo, who went so far as to field armies against one another. The crimes of their five murderous cousins may or may not have directly led to the fratricidal feud that dealt utter ruin to the Voxus branch in a single generation.
The last surviving branch, the Daellum clan, at first seemed likely to weather the ignominious end of their cousins. The cunning and ruthless Bartolomae Adella, who led the Daellums, was an exemplary and highly successful commander in the Taldan military, and for some months it seemed that what had come to be known as the Adella curse had passed this final clan by. Yet Bartolomae went on to suffer a crushing military defeat on the fractious Qadiran frontier. Humiliated to the point of blasphemy (although some held that Bartolomae’s blasphemies were nothing new), he fell on his powerful sword Infensus Mucro in contrition, yet even this act was hardly salving enough to atone for the family’s military failure. Indeed, so appalled was Grand Prince Beldam II by the family’s impressive descent into murder, hubris, and blasphemy that he proclaimed the entire family damnatio—their memory was to be wiped from every public record and monument, and all members stripped forever of noble status.
As the other Seekers enter the Morilla estate they find a Half-elf—at his side a cane with a head of cold iron and a shaft of darkwood—already seated and having tea with Lady Morilla.
”I dare say that I missed our afternoon teas, Gloriana; with the situation in Thuvia I’ve had little time to return home to Oppara.” He sets down his cup. ”However this is quite interesting—the tomb of House Adella—I’m glad I received your missive when I did. Now it’s been some time since I’ve had to use common facilities—my apologies for the question but where is this inn you refer to?
Striding out in front of his companions, the small green haired gnome places one arm around his waist and extends his other hand, palm up, towards Gloriana as he takes a deep bow. ”Venture-captain, Seeker, Lance Corporal Gilliby Ban at your service Lady Morilla.“ As he rises back up with a wide a pleasant smile across his face He continues his respectful greeting. ”Merchants can be tricky, but I have a knack for befriending even the roughest of tradesman. We will find out as much as we can from this Hanois Dellum and will follow up on any leads that might shed more light on house Adella’s boneyard.” He looks around at his companions. ”Though I have not worked with all of these fine gentlemen, I have heard nothing but extraordinary tails of their skill and prowess. Their track records should speak for themselves. Your mission is in good hands.” He bows again before turning to his associates once again. ”Should we prepare for the road. If I’m not mistaken, Zimar is a short travel to the south east and I’d like to be a day early if possible.” A flash of excitement crosses his eyes at the thought of adventure and everyone in the room is taken aback as he skips a little as he retreats from the room.
A smile remains on the Half-elf’s face as he sees the gnome introduce himself.Good glory, why is HE here?
Putting his true feelings aside, Lord Xavier Kahlvet follows the gnome out and extends his hand in greetings to the little man.
”Pleasure to see you once more, Lance Corporal. I see you’ve fixed your previous...affliction. How are your joints feeling, my good sir?”
”Right as rain, right as rain,” he assures. I owe a debt of gratitude to you and the society for returning me back to Absalom...” he exhales heavily, ”and to my proper state.” Shaking himself from his thoughts, his cheery completion returns with a large grin. ”The funny thing about that situation is that I just so happened to be carrying a scroll of stone to flesh with me that day. It doesn’t do any good though if it gets petrified along with you,” he chuckles. With a slight nod of appreciation he continues. ”Thank you sir. You are a true gentlemen. Now, let’s hope that we are all prepared for the unexpected this time around. I’d hate for anything dire to happen on this endeavor.” With a wink at the half-elf he opens the door and begins to whistle joyously.
In the corner of the room stands tall elf with long black hair. A puma is sitting next to him.
"I think that there should be no problems with this mission, since we are all experienced here.""Sorry, I didn't introduce myself. For all those who do not know me I am Delduwath, and that is Brun." He looks at his puma.
Brun sits and licks his paw.
The door knob turns and then opens to reveal a.....man? This humanoid figure has the standard basics and shape of a human, though the proportions are slightly off from that of a human. It stands around 6'3" with, what appears to be dark stone for skin which occasionally chips off as it moves. These features would lead one to assume that this is an Oread due to the stoney skin and reflective sheen that makes its appearance. However, all specific proportions as mentioned previously do not lean toward Oread but more demonic in nature. This creature wears a cloth that wraps loosely around its body and covers a large majority of the torso region and nothing else. It also wears some sandals, a familiar amulet, a standard cloak, and a belt that constricts the cloth at the waist.He gives a nod, little bits of stone crumbling away, "I am Obsidian."
This character is a very judgmental guy who prefers to take charge; know that most of what I say is in-character and shouldn’t be taken as my true opinion as a player—I’m simply role-playing my character.So an overly-optimistic gnome, a demonic rock, a shut-in with a cat, and someone barely versed in the Taldan nobility. Gloriana, what were you thinking?
With an internal sigh, Lord Kahlvet holds open the door out of the room.
”Gentlemen, from the sounds of things Lady Morilla has told us all that she knows—and she is a very busy woman, so we’d best be on our way to meet with this Mr. Dellum. My chariot is awaiting my return outside of the estate; seeing as we’ve the same destination you may all accompany me to the Lion Sleeps Inn. Now chop chop! We’re wasting daylight.”
As everyone is herded for lack of a better term into the opulent chariot which sets its course for the inn, the half-elf seems to be speaking to an invisible force.
”Masayoshi, I don’t care what you saw in your drunken stupor; Miss Heidmarch has requested aid in an Aspis situation. Go to Varisia for her.” The half-elf turns his attention to his compatriots. ”My apologies, my son can be a bit of a handful and tends to spend his time inebriated—it’s a religious thing, apparently. But that’s neither here nor there.”
Take 10 Knowledge (nobility) w/inspiration: 1d8 + 22 ⇒ (3) + 22 = 251d8 + 22 ⇒ (8) + 22 = 30Total: 30 Not marking off a point of inspiration because I’m sure the journey takes at least a day. If there are any written-in Nobility checks about House Adella then by all means use this total.
“Now, House Adella is one of very few noble houses in Taldor to be wiped away. So if this Hanoris Dellum fellow is truly the last surviving Adella then it’s likely that he’ll respond better to a kindred noble. Gilliby, I understand your excitement and ability to persuade, but please refrain if you can; your personality can be quite...much to the Taldan nobility—please let me do the speaking.” Gilliby and Xavier have about the same diplomacy(+34 vs +29 plus 1d10 rolled twice). This is just what my character would say, you can flat-out ignore him if you wish.
Xavier turns his attention to his other two companions. He eyes them up and down before waving his hand in dismissal. ”As far as anyone is concerned you two are the bodyguards to Gilliby and myself. Please, just don’t talk.” Xavier isn’t exactly impressed by the two people with negative Charisma.
I understand a bit of a brash character, so no worries from me.Obsidian simply grunts and nods to Xavier, seeming quite equitable with the situation.
At some point along the way he does speak up in a deep, gravelly voice, "It is important for me to say because several other Pathfinders I have done missions with have forgotten. If you stay behind me, I can mostly assure you won't die. If you run ahead of me, you are on your own. I have seen many fellows die in from of my eyes. Because they were in front of me." After his minor monologue he scoots back into his seat and remains silent (unless asked more I suppose).
"I agree with that! Replies Delduwath to Xavier. "I am elf of few words.""I like deeds rather than words." He looks at his puma and strokes his longbow.
A flurry of memories return to Xavier—always seeming to haunt him whenever death looms overhead.
Xavier, face-to-face with the great Runelord Krune. The Runelord disappears and barreling down the hallway comes a massive triceratops that impacts with him, sending the half-elf flying into the path of yet another triceratops that collides with him.
The opulent foyer of a grand mansion, filled with a horde of giants. Another comes around a corner, riding a triceratops! The beasts barely reach the flying noble and annihilates him.
High in the Varisian mountains Xavier plays dead to escape the wrath of a swarm of harpies. Xavier opens his eyes to find a most horrifying and unbelievable sight: four winged woolly rhinoceros stampede going straight through the group of harpies, and he was in their path. He barely had time to comprehend the thought before being trampled to bits under their feet. Upon coming back a few second later, he was told that he need a Breath of Life spell cast on him twice in order to bring him back.Xavier, seemingly unaffected by these memories, nods at Obsidian.
”I will remember that. But know that just because I look like a noble does not mean that I cannot hold my own when hands need to be dirtied. After all, I went toe-to-toe in a duel against Chafron Dalsine, cousin of the late baron Jacquo Dalsine,” Xavier hangs his head and a dark expression crosses his face. ”May the Lady of Graves bless him in the next life.” For the idiotic, self-righteous prick that he was.
Xavier pulls out two identical scrolls. He rolls one up and places it in his wrist sheath, the other he holds out to the group.
”Breath of Life. Best to not keep them both on one person. Anyone have a chance of using it?”
"No, I don't die," Obsidian responds simply, clearly not understanding.
|
Xavier facepalms at Obsidian’s response. He hands the scroll over to Gilliby. ”You probably have the best chance of using this.”
The half-elf regains his composure before continuing. ”If what this man claims is true, then it’s no laughing matter; the Adella family has a long and cruel history...”
Xavier goes on a long spiel about House Adella.
|
”Well let’s hope we don’t need it. It’ll be a toss of a coin if I try and use it and although that’s not bad odds, it’s not necessarily reassuring either.” Gilliby listens intently to the intriguing history of the Adella family. Fantastic Xavier! I’m glad you know what we are getting into.” He looks at Obsidian and Delduwath, ”Xavier super smart, he’s a total history buff.”
|
|
Technically I’m better at identifying what goes bump in the night and how to deal with it, this time just happened to be about my homeland. But I’ll take the compliment nonetheless.
”Well, better to have a chance than to have none. Remember the scroll that you had on your person when we last met? It would be best to avoid that.”
Obsidian looks at Xavier skeptically, "It obvious. He was stroking bow like it was lover. He also has pet cat. I don't think it terribly scary but some might. You know things and the small one hopefully is more than just small and pathetic. He probably make magic."
Brun starts to growl.
Obsidian gives a mirthful laugh as he reaches down to pet Brun.
Brun licks Obsidiian's hand and continues to growl at Xavier.
Obsidian continues chuckling as he begins scratching behind Brun's ears. "Oh stop. He has his uses too. Plus," Obsidian leans in to whisper at Brun, "I'm here to help protect your elf too."
|
|
Xavier sighs, habitually rubbing his left pinkie.
Well, now I see why Gloriana took me away from my duties in Thuvia. Don’t worry, Kahlvet, you’ve survived being on a team with that undead-obsessed daemonic woman—you can survive this. I just wish she didn’t take my pinkie as “compensation” for helping revive me. The solid gold replacement is sufficient, though. Gods! I hope I never have to see that Moxie ever again.
”Well, we’ve a long road ahead of us; be sure to make yourselves comfortable.”
|
|
Bracing himself slightly as the carriage jostles on the cobblestone road Gilliby chimes in. ”The cat is a magnificent creature and although I don’t wish for conflict, I do look forward to seeing the pair of you in combat. It’s been a while since I’ve been teamed up with an archer and certainly not one of your skill set Delduwath. To that matter,” he adds as he fidgets excitedly. ”Burn looks like he could snap a horse’s neck in a single bite. You are a beautiful cat Brun.” The gnome slowly extends his hand towards the cat’s nose so that it can begin to acclimate to his scent. Without waiting long for the cat to decide whether it would nip his hand or nuzzle into his palm, the Andoran shifts his attention to the ebony skinned man. ”You are correct Obsidian. As much as I envy those who can wield manufactured weapons, my small stature and puny frame make me ill suited for such combat techniques. Fortunately for me, my greatest grandfather, much like my second cousin Limrick, was quite promiscuous and...well…he could not keep it in his pants and wound up bedding a green dragon. This resulted in a few startling family reunions and my knack for the arcane. I am by no means a great magician, but I do hope to be useful. I am quite pleased to meet you both. It is clear why Lady Morilla requested each of you for this task, our abilities should compliment each other nicely. That all being said, I think I’ll try and settle in for a nap as I believe we have a bit of a journey before us.” The magician balls up his cloak and uses it as a pillow against the carriage wall. ”Oh… Obsidian, I’m sure I will thank you again, but I have no intention of outpacing you in any hostile environment, so thank you ahead of time for being the first line of defense.” Small and childlike the gnome curls up and leans his head back onto his cloak shutting his eyes.
|
|
Xavier stares at the sleeping gnome, gobsmacked at how casually he explained his ancestor’s promiscuous preferences.
I’ve seen beasts of every shape and size and this gnome is still the biggest mystery I’ve ever encountered.
Unable to sleep, the half-elf gazes out of the chariot’s window, nostalgically taking in the sights of his beloved homeland.
Once you arrive at the inn, Hanoris meets with you in a private meeting room.
”Pathfinders, I recently discovered that I might well be the last living scion of the Adellas. My relation to the Adellas is minor, but when my curiosity about the disgrace the family suffered years ago drove me to research my ancestry, I found that there really wasn’t much to learn—the Adellas had been pronounced damnatio by the government, after all, and as such, all public and even most private records of the family had been destroyed. But I did find something—mention of the family’s fabled necropolis—so secret and well defended that it escaped the damnatio purge.”
Hanoris gets to the point: ”I suspect that the Adellas—my family—were framed; that they were the victims of a conspiracy by powerful enemies to ruin their reputation. Proof of these suspicions has likely been lost, due to the damnatio—with the possible exception of whatever information might still lie in the old family burial grounds. I would like you to travel to this necropolis and explore it—to seek out the secrets hidden within this so-called Tomb of the Iron Medusa, and to find proof that the rumors about the Adellas’ evil and disgrace were lies. In particular, the once-famous family sword, Infensus Mucro, could be key in exonerating my family’s name. The weapon is said to have an actual intelligence of its own!"
”The vast treasures no doubt contained within the Tomb of the Iron Medusa could make brave adventurers such as yourselves rich…” He looks you up and down quickly. ”...well even richer, I suppose. Anyway, aside from the family sword and any proof you can find of falsehoods brought against the Adellas, I have no interest in those treasures—you can keep whatever else you find in the ancient necropolis.”
Hanoris pauses, not bothering to try to conceal an excited grin.
”So, are you in?”
|
|
Xavier raises an eyebrow toward the man and gives a slight chuckle.
"While it's true the offer intrigues me, I have more than a few questions. First, why do you believe yourself the sole heir to House Adella? Second, you say that you believe the Adellas were the victims of a grand conspiracy against them, but also that there is no proof to such suspicions; if that's the case then how did you come to such a conclusion? Third, what do we know of this family sword? Personality? Legends? Even what kind of sword it is? Fourth, and final, why in heaven's name do you care? You're not in it for the treasure or the glory, but for the 'truth' of what happen to House Adella? Excuse me for being a bit suspicious myself, but we are not your run-of-the-mill adventurers, we're high-ranking Pathfinders--and I'm sure you're smart enough to realize that."
Total: 54
Xavier closely watches the merchant to see if his body language would answer his questions better than the man himself.
Total:41
Obsidian stands in the corner with his arms crossed. With his large stature and skin he seems almost statue-esk as he remains silent and still.
|
|
Oh boy, that was direct. Xavier sure does get to the point. That’s probably a good thing though being as I’m so long winded. At least Hanoris knows we are taking this seriously. He doesn’t seem horribly taken aback anyway. And, those were all good questions. He must want something. What is his endgame?
”Hanoris, good sir, it seems you have done a good amount of research and for that I am impressed, especially considering the circumstance. Once you address my associates concerns, could you also tell where you believe this tomb to be? I’d also be interested in anything other than the sword that we should keep an eye out for? Has you research identified any other objects of note or any known traps or creatures that have helped keep the tomb a secrete possibly?”
Hanoris clears his throat. ”Why do I believe myself to be the sole heir? Well, simply because my research has not turned up any other living descendants. My own connection is minor. The conspiracy? it’s just a hunch. But I think it is time to show you this; I believe it should convince you my hunch is not unfounded.”
Hanoris retrieves a white marble funerary baton from a pouch and places it on the table. ”This baton, the only physical object connected to the Adellas I managed to discover in my research, is a key of some sort to entering the necropolis. In fact, this very inn was once owned by the Adellas, and it was in a hidden panel behind a plaque on a wall here that I found this baton.” Hanoris then twists the top of the baton, causing the tip to pop open and reveal a hollow inside containing a rolled parchment.
”I believe that in the Adellas’ last days, one of their members wrote the lines on the parchment as a sort of guide or map, in the hope that they could guide future descendants through the wards and defenses of the tomb so that proof of the falsehoods could be found. I haven’t been able to find more information about the parchment, but I suspect that the “Slumbering Cat” mentioned in the first line refers to this inn; the Lion Sleeps Inn. Working from this assumption, I spent several weeks exploring the lands northeast of here, and after some time my hunch was confirmed when I found the necropolis in the foothills of the World’s Edge Mountains. I myself lack the courage to explore the necropolis, but I suspect that both the poem and the baton itself are the keys to entering the ruins.”
”I’m afraid I don’t have any other specific information about Infensus Mucro other than it is said to be an intelligent longsword; anecdotes I learned through researching the journals of Taldan soldiers who served under Bartolomae Adella.”
”As to why I care? Well, I suppose I’m just curious by nature. The infamy of the rise and fall of the Adellas just has so many unanswered questions. Questions whose answers I truly believe lie in the family necropolis.”
”You’re obviously the best of the best, but I’ll wish you luck all the same. I’ll be staying here at the Lion Sleeps Inn, eagerly awaiting the secrets you find within the…” He pauses for dramatic effect. ”...Tomb of the Iron Medusa.”
|
|
Curiosity for the truth? I can respect that.
”Very well,” Xavier grabs the baton from the scion’s hand and quickly reads over the parchment. ”From the sounds of it the entire tomb is a giant puzzle, with this serving as the key to solving the puzzle; I must admit, I am intrigued myself—if not for the history but for the challenge itself. It sounds like you’ve already solved the first three lines, leaving us with ‘Follow now the Spider Star’ and onward.”
Xavier stands. ”Now, lest you have any more to tell us, we must be on our way to the tomb—we’ve daylight wasting away.”
The journey is uneventful.
The old Adella Necropolis, known to scholars of obscure history as the Tomb of the Iron Medusa, is located roughly 35 miles to the northeast of the Lion Sleeps Inn. The necropolis itself sits in a hidden dale in the foothills of the World’s Edge Mountains, surrounded by a 15-foot-high wall made of tightly fitted gray stone blocks. Wider sections resembling castle watchtowers are spaced along the wall.
A masterfully wrought iron relief of a medusa’s head, ten feet in diameter, decorates the stone wall between the two nearest towers. A circular hole about an inch and a half in diameter sits at the back of the sculpture’s open mouth.
|
|
”Well it appears that we need to place the baton in the mouth of the relief to “Feed the Beast.” Before you do so Xavier, please let me check for an magical auras.” Gilliby casts detect magic on the Medusa head. ”Might I also suggest checking it for any traps as well. It would be odd to trap a door that has such a distinct key, but I’d prefer caution.”
|
|
Xavier steps out of the carriage and gazes into the lifeless eyes of the medusa—something he’d never thought he’d do again after the Maze.
Be ready, Vladimir; we may need to leave at a moment’s notice.”
The Taldan driver nods at the half-elf before before pulling out a book and opening it to near the middle—casually reading as if he had done this many times before.
Vlad’s been so loyal to me since that incident in Brevoy. Perhaps I’ll take up the Surtovas’ offer of that manor just outside of Zmeyka, even if it’s just to give Vlad a little taste of home. Xavier sighs. One thing at a time, Kahlvet—get through this moment and then you can think about the future.
Xavier inhales and shuts his eyes to calm himself. It’s been quite some time since Xavier’s had to switch to Pathfinder Mode, but if this tomb is a giant puzzle then he’ll need to use it.
The Taldan noble exhales and with eerie calmness snaps his eyes open. Xavier surveys the scene with surprising rapidity, absorbing the entire environment and situation to the fullest.
”It’s quite obvious that that’s a keyhole—we just need a key. This medusa isn’t cross-eyed and I certainly wouldn’t call it ‘mocking,’ meaning that it’s either Sardisi or the Adellas as a whole. The next two lines are ‘Follow now the Spider Star behind the wall that hides its face.’ That must be the clue to finding the key. Everyone search, it’ll save time if we’re all looking.”
That was a lie. Xavier knee that he could find the key on his own, but sometimes the lesser minds need reassurance of their abilities; best not to injure morale.
Total: 60
Obsidian grunts at Xavier's instruction, casually walks up to the stone wall and peeks his head through. [ooc]Constant earth glide[ooc]
An examination of the hole in the medusa’s mouth reveals that it seems to match the tip of the funerary baton given to you by Hanoris. It does not appear to be trapped in any way.
Obsidian removes his head from the wall and begins looking and feeling it over, as if appraising the stone itself. After a couple seconds of appraising, he plants both hands upon the surface of the wall and begins concentrating. The stone of the wall begins to ripple, as if suddenly becoming a surface of liquid. Slowly a hole forms from the ripples and then expands to the shape of a door.
Once finished, Obsidian turns to Xavier with a head slightly cocked, "Push myself?". He seems decently confused at the comment.
"I made entrance. We can go inside." he says resolutely as he turns back to his entrance and walks through.
|
|
A key. I said search for a key, not a way in. Why does the Decemvirate do this to me?
Xavier pulls out a glowing stone—a gift from the Sarenite that killed him so long ago—and lightly tosses it over his shoulder, causing the stone to orbit the half-elf’s head, freeing up his hands for purposes other than holding a light source. He turns to the rest of the group.
”I am always right behind Obsidian; trust me, it’s for your own good.” He turns to yell inside of the new “door.” ”We should at least not leave the tomb wide open—some ambitious travelers might decide to wander in and get themselves killed.”
|
|
And I guess we are going in. Shouting out to the others as they head through the wall.”It appears the entire complex is emanating a transmutation effect. Things may not be as they appear.” Gilliby gestures towards the opening in the wall. ”After you Delduwath.”He then rubs his hands and then blows on them before hopping through the wall after the archer and his cat.
Obsidian shrugs. "Then they will be punished for their weakness," he states matter-of-factly.
He rolls his eyes and sighs as he places his hands on the wall once more. Ripples happen again as the hole slowly closes.
After closing the hole, Obsidian seems to orient himself directly perpendicular to the wall and begins walking directly away from it.
After exploring the utterly ruined necropolis for a while, it becomes obvious there is nothing of interest or value; only dilapidated and collapsed stone structures.
Obsidian shurgs and makes a hole again.
A loud metallic “click” sounds and the metal covering the medusa’s eyes slides back, exposing eyes made of polished white marble, with painted black pupils glaring menacingly. By rotating the funerary baton, the eyes move in their metal sockets. When the eyes are crossed (mimicking the emblem of the Daellum branch), the medusa’s jaws gape open and a cold blue light shines forth. The Pathfinders are suddenly lifted off their feet and sucked into the yawning mouth, shrinking and spiraling down to nothingness as the iron face seems to swallow them whole.
You each suddenly find yourself in total darkness. It feels as though you’re lying on your back on a cold stone surface. Obsidian immediately realizes it is indeed stone and is able to glide through it. He emerges into an octagonal chamber made of fine, polished white marble. The domed ceiling peaks twenty-five feet overhead, decorated with frescoes of people in billowing robes, hands joined, looking down with pity on those below. Braziers along the base of the dome filled with flickering flames faintly illuminate the chamber. Twelve carved stone sarcophagi lie beneath the dome, surrounding a large carving on the floor of a leering medusa’s face.
Obsidian can hear his trapped peers through the thick stone, and the lid of each occupied sarcophagus is carved with the enclosed Pathfinder’s name, year of birth, and the current year (as in the year of “death”). At the foot of each occupied sarcophagus is a 9-inch-long funerary baton, similar to that provided by Hanoris, but made of polished brown stone.
The recessed floor in the center of the mausoleum is an earth-tone mosaic of complex geometric designs reminiscent of Qadiran artwork, with a scowling medusa’s head in relief at the hub, 15 feet wide and made of iron, a larger version of the vertical head at the entry wall. On the edges of the iron disc, at each of the four compass points, is a circular hole.
Obsidian goes to each sarcophagus and places a hand on the lid. Just as the wall, the lids slowly melt away to the sides of the sarcophagi. As his peers collect themselves, he goes to the other sarcophagi and does the same.