Mummy's Mask (Inactive)

Game Master Daniel Penfold 351

Kahina will channel until everyone is healed before we return.

The halfling looks up as Azwynn walks over to his table

You could say that lass. Name's "Mad Dog Marrn. We were sent to explore an abandoned tannery, half of our fighting dogs died fighting a g~!$%*n gelatinous cube that was inside. Did find a magic sword though.

How'd you lot get on?

Axwynn replies to Mad Dog, Me name's Azwynn, Mad Dog. Sorry ta 'ear ye lost so many an'mals. We did alrig't. We 'xplored t' tomb o' Ak'entepi an' found mainly supplies useful fer adventurin'.

Tell me, do ye be trainin' new dogs yerself, 'r do ye be buyin' 'em all trained like? I like werkin' wit' critters, meself. Gonna get me an an'mal fer gettin' by 'ere in t' desert one o' t'ese days.

Sense Motive check, someone? I figure there's a least a chance someone might want to steal even the ordinary gear we found.

"I am looking for more dogs that we could train up"

Does anyone want to talk to any of the other groups

Cyrmic; Perform (comedy): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Cyrmic; Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Once at the Inn, Cymric finds the stage, and begins a comedic routine, starting off with:

"What did the Weapon Master Fighter call his rage after a Barbarian Dip?"

"A tempered tantrum!"

and he continues on, while listening to the conversation around the room.

The tone in the Tooth and Hookah becomes more light hearted with Cymric's performance. Everyone relaxes and the problems of the day are forgotten.

Before Cymric’s performance begins, Azwynn tells Mad Dog, I ain’t been ‘ere in town all t’at long. I’d prob’ly ask ‘round in t’ market fer pups ‘r dogs.

Once Cymric’s performance starts, she buys a round of drinks for Mad Dog’s entire team and a mug of ale for herself as well, telling the Halfling barbarian, It don’t make up fer losin’ yer dogs, but I do be ‘opin’ t’ drinks’ll lift yer team’s spirits a mite..

When the drinks arrive, she toasts to better days ahead for Mad Dog and his team.

Daniel, if you’ll tell me what Mad Dog’s team wants to drink, I’ll total it and subtract it from Azwynn’s funds.

The Mad Dogs all ask for a mug of ale (4cp each)

A group called the Dog Soldiers made up of halflings led by a halfling barbarian who seems very depressed.

Ummm...how many members on this team? Also, it looks like you got the team name wrong, hehe

Seeker attends the inn with the others to socialize. He finds a well-lit, out-of-the-way table around the edge of the main room, pulls up a chair that protests under his considerable weight, and begins to pen the days adventures in his journal. While they hadn’t discovered anything of any real historical significance, any information was good information. Nothing in the tomb seemed out of place - the pests were to be expected in any ancient place and the puppet guardians were an appropriate guard for the man entombed there. If nothing else, it had been a financially successful venture and he was very impressed by the competency of his companions. All in all it was a very clean delving.

He leans back in his chair, sipping his coffee and taking in the room. There was quite an eclectic collection of people here tonight. While interested in any significant discoveries the other parties might have made, he certainly wasn’t going to be the one to chat them up.

@Azwynn - there are 5 members in total

The drinks and stories flow and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.

Anyone else?

Cyrmic; Perform (oratory): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Upon finishing up his comedy set, Cymric walks about the room, stopping by each table and asking how their day went, trying to be at least a bit friendly with each group and determine their leader without being so bold to ask. If asked by any one group, he recounts in simple terms what happened to his group during the day.

In order of the groups he visits (if it makes a difference):
Cryptfinders; Daughters of the Desert; Dog Soldiers. He then goes to the Sand Scorpions and finally to the Scorched Hand, carefully for the last two groups, a bit put off by the groups name.

which party: 1d6 ⇒ 4

reroll for variety: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Ogochukwu stands over Azwynn's shoulder wordlessly before deciding to move on to the party of women. "How did you do? Find any good treasure? Ready to settle down, eh? Eh?" He says with a smile, trying to be charming and probably failing.

Ogochukwu you head over to the Daughters of the Desert. Their leader introduces herself as Sigrun Firehair.

"We were assigned the house of a wealthy pawnbroker to explore and we found a few traps but nothing else of interest.

Cymric as you go round the other groups say the following:

Cryptfinders: "We were assigned the tomb of an important government official and found a lot of rich stuff

Sand Scorpions: They don't really engage with you at all and seem very cagey

As you go over to the Scorched Hand their leader greets you and introduces herself as Velriana Hypaxes. Sher introduces the rogue as Idorii, the wizard as Azaz Arafe and the cleric as Khelru

"This inability to assign specific sites to people that requested them is ridiculous. We petitioned to explore a site sacred to Nethys but instead we were allocated what turned out to be a brothel! We easily dispatched a nest of zombies in the basement and even managed to recover a few minor treasures but generally it was disappointing.

Have you heard anything about an ancient temple called the Erudite Eye. That's what we are looking for.

Images of Scorched Hand added to images link

Cyrmic; Sense Motive (Perform (Oratory)): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Cymric; Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 Assume I don't know about Erudite Eye

While listening to each of the groups, Cymric senses that the Cryptfinders may not be completely truthful about what they are telling him. He however does not make an issue of it and just smiles pleasantly and continues on.

When asked about the Temple of the Erudite Eye, Cymric strains his memory but confesses, "no that one I do not know about. Can you tell me what it is about?"

With a bit of gentle probing Cymric you discover that the Cryptfinders were actually sent to explore an old brewery where they found little more than vermin and no treasure.

You have never heard of the Erudite Eye.

Anyone else?

"Nice to meet you Sigrun. Ah well, there's always tomorrow, eh? How long have you been working together?"

"True, there is always tomorrow. We've been together for the last 6 months. We journeyed here from my homeland in the Land of the Linnorm Kings. Well we should probably retire, it'll be another early start tomorrow to find out where we get next."

With that the Daughters of the Desert leave, as do the majority of the other groups, leaving only you and the Scorched Hand in the bar.

Does anyone want to ask the Scorched Hand anything else, otherwise we'll move on to the next day.

knowledge history: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 Oh well.

Kahina finds herself a touch too shy to venture into starting conversations with these exotic adventurers. She sips her tea and sits quietly, waiting for the exchange of information to end.

Ogochukwu is failing pretty hard at talking to the ladies. No surprise there for a low charisma character.
Anybody know the feeling when your GM gives you a big hint?

Ogochukwu makes his way over to the Scorched Hand and introduces himself. Then asks what they are chatting with Cymric about.

Azwynn bids the Dog Soldiers a good night then ventures over where Ogo and Cymric are chatting with the Scorched Hand.

When an opportunity presents itself, she introduces herself. Upon hearing of the Erudite Eye, she notes that Cymric doesn’t seem to know anything about it. Not wanting to interrupt the ongoing conversation, she excuses herself with an assurance that she plans to return shortly. She then walks over to Seeker and asks the Oread in low tones, Ken ye oug’t o’ t’ Erudite Eye?

knowledge, history: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Okaris sits in the shadowy corner of the tavern and watches his companions. As he sits there he is assaulted by the pungent smell of incense, spices, and sweat. Slowly he looks around, noting the patrons and the mood of the crowd, he watches and holds his tongue while some of his outgoing companions interact with the other adventurers.

Ogochukwu you have heard of the Sanctum of the Erudite Eye. You know it is somewhere in Wati but you don't know where. It's an abandoned temple to Nethys which was built before the Plague of Madness. It is rumoured that it contains much in the way of secret treasure.

"Do you know where the temple is? Do you think the organizers know where it is? What do you think is inside it, eh?" Ogochukwu asks, very curious about this temple now that they have brought it up.

Seeker considers the dwarf's question. He had researched the temples and crypts of the region in preparation for this venture, but he had hardly had the time for an all-encompassing study and much of the information was missing or never collected besides. That was, after all, his purpose here. While he ponders, he gestures at pot of spiced coffee he'd ordered to indicate he welcomes the dwarf's company.

Rolls for the Erudite Eye, if they cover anything Ogochukwu's roll didn't.
Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Knowledge (Nobility): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Cymric; Sense Motive (Perform Oratory)): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

While Ogochukwu asks questions, Cymric stands by trying to determine of the response from the Scorched Hand leader is true.

Seeker, you know that the Temple is somewhere within Wati but you are not sure where.

"We don't know where the Temple is, the organisers would know. As far as we know there's some kind of funerary mask in there that could be worth a lot."

Cymric you think she is telling you the truth but in all likelihood, not the whole truth.

Azwynn places a companionable hand on Seeker's shoulder and says, I promised ta return ta t' ot'er group, but I kin be stayin' 'ere fer a mite if ye like. 'Ow are ye feelin' after our firs' day adventurin'?

At this point the Scorched Hand say farewell and head up to their rooms.

With the tavern now empty, save for the party, Ogochukwu retires as well.

But not before saying goodnight and making a few comments, like "This Temple sounds interesting, eh? I wonder where we will go tomorrow? Well, it has been a pleasure working with all of you. I will rest and in the morning we will go again."

looks like I still need to copy my level 2 stats into the profile

The night passes uneventfully.

At dawn the following day you are given your next site for exploration, the House of Pentheru which you will be able to explore tomorrow.

"It was enlightening. Not on a scholastic level, but I was very impressed with you all." He makes a small gesture taking in Azwynn and the humans. Many monks strive for perfection in body, spirit, and mind, and he had been surrounded by exemplary individuals for as long as he could remember. It tended to give him high expectations of others. "What about you? What did you think of our human companions?"

You can have a knowledge history check on the House of Pentheru

knowledge, history: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

remind me that I need to copy my updated sheet into this alias if I don't do it soon

Ogockukwu you have not heard anything more about the House of Pentheru

Cymric; Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

When the House of Pentheru is mentioned at dawn, Cymric thinks hard and his face lights up as he remembers something he read in an old tome when he was in training.

Azwynn replies, I ain't 'xactly an 'xpert on 'umans, but t'ey seem ta be a good enough group. I agree we did well taget'er.

She then tilts her head curiously and asks, Did it seem ta ye we got one o' t' better spots ta search?

Cymric you recognise the name Pentheru as being a minor Osirian noble. He owned a section of farmland and was responsible for its administration, overseeing the farmers who worked the land and the distribution of grain and ensuring the proper taxes were paid to the local authorities.

I was using italics to show Seeker using sign language but I'm just gonna switch to bold for uniformity.

"There was an eclectic series of traps and secrets in Akhentepi's tomb." Seeker signs slowly. "I think it was a good indicator if what is to come. And..." He trails off and looks towards a window and out at the creeping purple of desert twilight before turning back to the dwarf. "It was nice to have stone overhead and underfoot again."

=========

Seeker has a certain affinity for ledgers, receipts, trade documents, inventories and the like. There was something about the numbers he found very soothing, and such documentation could reveal far more about a people than most might realize. A land manager might sound boring to others, but this could be enlightening.

Not gonna beat Cymric's roll, so Seeker has nothing to add.

Going to move on to the following day. - Map updated

Sandstone walls ten feet high enclose this estate, affording those who once lived inside some privacy. A two-storey stone house is visible beyond the walls, adjoining the rear wall of the property. In the centre of the estate's southern wall stands a pair of tarnished bronze gates hanging partially open. A pair of statues flanks the gate. Dusty heiroglyphs are carved into the wall at eye level to the left of the gate.

As the party arrives at the Pentheru property, Azwynn studies her surroundings, especially the gates and the statues for anything of interest.

Azwynn perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

She also examines the hieroglyphs to see if they are written in Ancient Osiriani, a language she knows.

Ogochukwu joins Azwynn.

perception, AID: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

profile should be updated with level up and shiny new breastplate

The heiroglyphs read "House of Pentheru in Ancient Osiriani. The statues depict two men with a regal bearing and dressed in loose, short robes and traditional Osirian head cloths. Small heiroglyphs on the bases identify the statues as Pentheru the Elder and Pentheru the Younger.

The bronze gates are decrepit and appear to have been broken open long ago.

Ogochukwu draws his bardiche and begins using it as an awkward walking staff.

"Let's begin, eh?" He asks as he walks through the gates and has a look around.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Hand on her Lucerne Hammer at her hip, Azwynn follows Ogo through the gates, eyes scanning for danger, lending her aid to Ogo's search.

perception, AID Ogo: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

It was a shame so many ancient things fell to vandalism. Seeker wonders if grave robbers damaged the gates, or if it was done by those that felt wronged by the nobility.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Dust and sand cover the ground of this small courtyard. To the east and west stand pairs of columns, once brightly painted and now bleached from the sun, which support stone archways leading to other sections of the property. Tarnished bronze gates hang open under both arches. To the north, a small flight of steps leads up to a pair of ornate doors in the south wall of the house between another pair of columns.

Seeker and Ogochukwu you can hear the sounds of an angry mob in the distance.

does it sound like the mob is coming from inside or outside the courtyard. I bet it's a haunt

It sounds like it is coming from outside the courtyard.

Knowledge religion checks please.