As the first mummy dissolves in a cloud of radiant dust, Adol looks to the necromancer who'd just shrugged off a 'bullet' from Say'ri. "What do you say we take him together, Jamie?" He asks, and joins the assault!
Jazadi barely manages to evade the worst of the spell and snaps her whip at a zombie!
She then casts a protective spell on herself, summoning multiple images to confuse and confound!
As the first mummy dissolves in a cloud of radiant dust, Adol looks to the necromancer who'd just shrugged off a 'bullet' from Say'ri. Not being able to strike him up close was a problem, but he did have some options, and every little bit helped. Thus, he threw three javelins infused with holy energy!
Jamie carves the second mummy into nothing more than rolls of ancient bandages, her pink sword fulfilling its destined purpose to destroy such undead.
Adol meanwhile unleashes a hail of javelins at the flying necromancer, but they all rebound - his skin seems harder than iron and little more than pinpricks are left!
Say'ri runs at mighty speed while Jazadi backs up and scores a light wound on one of the zombies facing her.
The zombies swing futilely as the heroines pass them.
Boss: 66;40/80
are up.
Uthe shrieks in pain as the molten glass burns her bare feet, but she manages to hop free of the effect avoiding most of the damage.
"Stinky! Ugly! Human!" she snarls, sending a magical bolt with each utterance at the necromancer.
Dhakira manages to avoid being entangles and some of the damage. Then seing, that a few of her allies have been damaged, she prays to Pharasma for healing energy, making sure to not include the enemies in the area of positive energy.
She heals up from the spell damage completly, plus a few scratches left from a previous attack. She looks around to see if someone needs more healing.
The hyenas bark in frustration, seeing that the only enemy left is out of their reach. But they get rady to bite, and maybe trip) the necromancer if they happen to come down.
Henri, readied bite and trip
Helene, readied bite and trip
Henriette, readied bite and trip
Unfortunately for Dhakira the only person in range of her healing magic is Uthe so instead she steps forward and unleashes her magic against the zombies. Pharasma's divine wrath sears undead flesh, crumbling two zombies into dust and burning the rest badly.
The flying figure lets out an angered shout at seeing his minions destroyed and then groans when Adol's javelin's punch through whatever protective spells he is using. He retaliates by summoning crackling balls of lightning which fly with unerring precision towards Dhakira and Adol, despite yet another bullet from Say'ri and mystic bolts from Uthe!
Zombies 5/12
Boss 29/80; 50/80
Jamie clambers up to get to Say'ri, reaching out to place a hand on her back. "Take a deep breath. Clear your mind. Steady your aim. For Ammon." The halfling focuses on her emotions to help Say'ri achieve her potential!
Adol leans back and the lightning bolt barely misses his face!
"Can anyone take care of Jamie!? She's injured quite badly!" he calls out, then throws his other two and Last Javelins at the flying sorceror.
Dhakira staggers under the effect of the bolt. Then she approaches her allies as far as she can, trying to get to Jamie to help her.
The hyennas get ready to attack the last creature if it comes in their range, or at least maybe provide a distraction to help some of the others attack.
Henri
[ooc]trip if possible
Helene
Hortense
Adol launches his final two javelins one after the other, both striking deep in the necromancer's flesh. He lets out a roar of anger and pain and then Say'ri's bullet shoots upwards underneath the funerary mask and his cry suddenly diminishes into a gurgle and then silence.
The zombies drop to the floor like puppets whose strings are cut and the necromancer falls from the sky. He strikes the edge of the pyramid with a sickening crack and tumbles down to the floor some fifteen feet below. The limp position of his limbs makes it clear that he has met his final death.
Removing the funerary mask reveals a once handsome face, now ruined by a bullet. He is remarkably well equipped, with gear that mixes modern and decidedly ancient items which seem to have been pilfered from this, or maybe many other, tombs. Most notable however is the funerary mask, still undamaged in the fall and radiating such magic that Uthe and Jazadi can easily tell that it is an artifact of great power! The only sensible thing to do is to leave the Necropolis at once and bring the mask to Sebti the Crocodile for further study.
When you emerge from the Sepulchre of the Servant the sun is high in the sky and you are able to leave the necropolis with no more than a minor skirmish with a pack of ghouls. After two of their number are brutally cut down the rest slink off into the shadows looking for an easier meal.
Bal Them is still on duty at the main gate and greets you all with pleasure. "The undead attacks have slowed considerably." She says, "I don't know what you were doing in there, but it seems to have worked! I'll send word to the temple that you're coming." This is confirmed at the Grand Mausoleum by a sour faced Nahkt, who meets you on the steps.
"The High Priestess has asked me to escort you to her at once!" He says flatly. "Apparently she wishes to thank you." He leads you through the temple to Sebti's study and gestures. "Hurry up, I have a ritual to conduct that will lay the remaining undead to rest. There's no time to waste on playing tour guide for you!"
Sebti is delighted to see you all and listens to your tale attentively. When the funerary mask is brought out she frowns and immediately takes it off your hands. "This is a dangerous artifact indeed." She says pensively. "I must commune with my superiors in Sothis. Thank you all again for your service. The Church, and Wati itself, are in your debt."
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The Voices of the Spire deal with the remaining undead and Wati rapidly returns to normal. Sebti is not shy about publicly applauding your heroism and many of the shop owners in Wati are only too pleased to show their gratitude. Farkhan insists on giving you all a weeks room and board with no charge and lays on a wonderful feast for you in thanks.
"Besides," He admits to Say'ri. "With all the extra people coming to gawk at you lot I'm making a lot more money than I'm losing on your rooms!"
cure moderate wounds (2), scroll of stinking cloud, wand of enervation (14 charges).
Other Gear: dagger, mwk club, Mask of the Forgotten Pharaoh, ring of sustenance, spell component pouch, spellbook (contains all prepared spells and all 0-level spells plus animate dead, arcane lock, chill touch, enervation, gentle repose, ghoul touch, invisibility, knock, stinking cloud, vampiric touch, and additional
spells), diamond dust (worth 500 gp), onyxes (worth 500 gp in total), silver holy symbols of Anubis and Pharasma (worth 25 gp each), silver unholy symbol of Urgathoa (worth 25 gp)
cobalt, lapis lazuli, and onyx, this elaborate funerary mask is a powerful artifact. When worn, the mask occupies both the head and headband magic item slots. After 24 hours, the mask attunes itself to its wearer, granting its wearer a +2 enhancement bonus to one of his mental ability scores (Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma). The wearer chooses which ability score is enhanced the first time he puts on the mask. If the mask grants a bonus to Intelligence, it also grants ranks in skills as a headband of vast intelligence: first in Knowledge (nobility), then, as the bonuses increase, in Knowledge (history) and Knowledge (religion). Once the mask is attuned to a wearer, the enhanced ability score cannot be changed unless the mask attunes itself to a new wearer (which takes another 24 hours).
In addition, the mask provides its wearer with deathwatch as a constant spell-like ability. The mask cannot be detected by any sort of divination magic, and grants its wearer a constant nondetection effect.
Once attuned, the Mask of the Forgotten Pharaoh has additional powers based on its wearer’s alignment. If worn by an evil character, the mask enhances the wearer’s control over undead, doubling the number of undead the wearer may control with animate dead, control undead, the Command Undead feat, and similar effects. Additionally, the wearer can cast animate dead once per day as a spell-like ability.
If worn by a good character, the mask grants its wearer immunity to disease, including supernatural diseases such as mummy rot. In addition, the wearer can cast death ward and speak with dead each once per day as a spell-like ability.
A neutral character who is neither good nor evil must choose to be treated as either good or evil when he first dons the mask. Once made, this choice cannot be reversed. A neutral character who uses the mask to create undead gains 1 permanent negative level for each Hit Die of undead created. These negative levels cannot be overcome in any way (including restoration spells), but they are immediately removed if the undead creatures are destroyed.
The Mask of the Forgotten Pharaoh reveals additional powers as its wearer increases in levels. At 7th level, the mask’s enhancement bonus to a mental ability score increases to +4. Also at this level, an evil wearer can cast create undead once per day, and a good wearer can cast eyebite once per day instead. At 11th level, the mask’s enhancement bonus increases to +6, an evil wearer can cast control undead once per day, and a good wearer can cast finger of death once per day. At 15th level, an evil wearer can cast create greater undead once per day, and a good wearer can cast symbol of death once per day.
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Say'ri, being a chronic overachiever and inveterate tinkerer, sleeps deeply but is still up nearly as early as normal the day after the expedition to the Necropolis (much to the disappointment of the cat who is sleeping on her). She does however retain enough manners to let Uthe sleep in, and then provides breakfast for the ammurun before she starts making requests.
"So, it seems like we finally have some time. And coin." She says with a smile. "Are you still willing to help me work on enchanting my guns kitten? It would make a huge difference and there's no-one else I'd rather let play with them than you." She adds a wink, just for the effect. "I'd be ever so grateful. Maybe enough to make you some more of that catnip you liked..."
Slow to wake whether it's early morning, late morning, or early afternoon, Uthe stretches as only a cat can. "You want us to to enchant your noisy toys?" she questions, reaching out and tracing a delicate finger along the side of one of the pistols. "It will take much coin and time." She grins. "And we expect something in return." The hand that was touching the pistol reaches up and draws a line along Say'ri's jaw with a well-manicured nail. "You've demonstrated skill with your tongue. Will it be good enough to ... badee bhaasha mein mahaarat haasil karen?"
Speaking only in her native language now, Uthe leads Say'ri off for a late lunch/early dinner. Two amurrun in robes work a small food booth. With sharp knives they section and debone fresh fish directly in front of the customers. Once appropriately sectioned, the meat is doused in various oils and seasonings before being served uncooked to be eaten by hand.
"Aapako yah koshish karanee chaahie, Bebee. Yah manoram hai," Uthe declares before picking up a sliver of fish and downing it in quick bites.
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Say'ri's amurrun is very good for someone who only started learning within the last week, but not good enough to keep up with everything Uthe says especially given the speed she says it at.
"So we eat the raw fish..." She says cautiously, watching Uthe do just that with apparent relish. "I should have known..."
She eats the first strip with a screwed up face that gradually relaxes into wonder. "That's really good!" She says, and sets to eating with a will, although the sharp tasting beverage that goes with it doesn't meet her satisfaction. "Pharaoh's t*!$! You could scour gun barrels with that thing!"
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"*Amurrun, Baby, Amurrun,*" Uthe says, keeping to her native language. "*You'll never become fluent without immersion.*" She leans in close and nuzzles the woman's neck. "*Besides, I just love your accent,*" she whispers with a deep purr.
Returning her attention to the displayed food, she gestures with one hand. "*Ta'haa is normally arranged by how spicy or 'hot' the offerings are.*" Her hand points to the left side of the stall where the pieces of fish are slathered in an amber oil. "*The mildest.*" She indicates the center section which is dominated by pieces smeared with green or red paste. "*For those that like a little heat.*"
Finally she turns towards the right side of the display "*And finally that which is reserved for only the most adventurous,*" she says. She reaches down to pick up an offering covered with dark seeds and a small mount of a light green liquid. She gives Say'ri a wink before downing the piece of fish. The sorceress' body gives a slight shudder and she wipes at her eyes. "*That is so good,*" she says after a moment. "*But I wouldn't recommend trying that unless you really want a challenge.*"
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Dhakira makes sure to take care of everyones wounds, especially Jamie's before leaving the necropolis.
She salutes Bal Them warmly ''These are good neaw my friend. I'm glad to hear that the undead scourge is abatting, and that the good people of Wakti can go back to their regular lives, albeit a lot of them will have the sad business of attending funerals.''
She ignores Nekht snobbing, but baskes in Sebhti's complements. She's sorry to see the mask go, she would have loved to be able to study such an incredible artefact. '' I thank you for you kindness your eminence, it was an honor to serve the temple, and whakti, in their time of need. If you need help with the all too many funeral rites that will have to be performed in the next days, don't hesitate to call on my services. And she bowes to her superior.
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After a well deserved rest, she's sitting at a table eating breakfast when Say'ri et Uthe leave the inn in search of their own morning meal. She smiles to herself, seeing these involved in their growing relatioship, content to know they have each other's support.
After breakfast, she goes around her other companions, to make sure they recuparating well after ordeal, physically, but also emotionnaly.
She checks if Jamie feels the need to talk, now that there are no monsters to distract her from her immense loss.
She tries to talk to Aldol, to get to know him better. If he's going to join them on more adventures, it's always a good thing to know those you might have to rely on to save your life.
And she also looks for Jazadi, just because she likes her...
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"*You know I have actually drunk the alcohol used to scour gun barrels.*" Say'ri replies, her eyes lighting up at the prospect of a challenge.
She takes an identical offering to Uthe and sniffs it. Her eyes water at the smell but she grins and down the fish in one. Then the scars on the right hand side of her face start throbbing slightly and turn an interesting shade of purple.
"That's... quite something!" she manages eventually, in a slightly hoarse whisper. "HAS ANYONE GOT ANY WATER?" It seems she can't manage the question any louder, no matter how much she may want to.
Uthe subtly waves off one of the vendors as they attempt to speak up before Say'ri 'takes the plunge'.
"*Oh, Baby,*" she says with a laugh once the deed is done. She gestures at the vendor and he hands over a corked glass bottle from a basket filled with them. She bites the cork off and takes a quick drink. "*Here, drink this. It's not na'as wine, so you can't clean your pistols with it, but it works a lot better than water to cool the burn.*"
The drink is an overly sweet concoction with flavors of citrus and wintergreen, but it rapidly cools the burn in the woman's throat. "*That is a drink usually reserved for children or those silly enough to venture into the 'extreme' end of the ta'haa display without guidance,*" she says with a giggle.
As if to add to her good-natured ribbing, Uthe reaches out and snags another slice of fish from the indicated section. Without ceremony, she swallows it down and rolls her eyes in pleasure.
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"*I'm making you eat noodles with me one day.*" Say'ri murmurs, although there's no real heat in her tone. "*The proper Minkian way, with chopsticks and lots of soy sauce. Then you'll be sorry!*" She drinks the citrus drink dry and then goes for another one. "*I'll be a child, this is delicious. Not like your wine.*" She declares, poking the tip of her tongue out at the amurrun to add to the effect.
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At some point during the evening, Adol withdraws from the packed inn filled with hero-worshippers. All of Farkhan's hospitality, ‘cooking’ and beverages aside, it didn't really feel like he'd earned the right to be there. At least, not yet. He'd jumped in somewhere near the end of it, and he'd had to be bailed out himself first, too. As far as he were concerned, the Falcons were the real heroes and he’d just been there to grant support. Even if Sebti had given him credit, too, and outsiders seemed to regard him as a real member.
...Did that make them the Falcons and Jamie and Adol? The Falcons and Adol featuring Jamie? Jamie and the Falcons and that other guy/that other stinky human? There seemed to be a lot of good-natured debating going on and it felt like the direction could change at the drop of a hat or the clink of a cup.
Regardless, he had something to do first.
There were a lot of fresh graves in the graveyard. Seemingly, mercifully , the total death toll wasn't that high compared to the seven or eight thousand inhabitants, but it was still in the hundreds. ”Too many. It kind of feels wrong to be celebrating at all.” He tried to give the gathered family members their privacy and not think too hard on if more of them could have been saved somehow – maybe if he hadn’t kept screwing up, that would have helped.
The two wands that had worked so well in the past felt like they were burning a hole in his pocket.
Well, at least he was alive.
The former paladin stopped in front of the grave that read “Ammon Al-Muhkhalas”. It was both beautiful and traditional, and the many flowers were still fresh. And they had to be, given he was buried, like, yesterday. Still, A worthy final resting place, he thought. Yet with a rough translation being 'Ammon the Redeemer', he probably deserved to be six feet under.
”I figured I had to pay my respects. We never met, but I since I’m possibly taking over your role, it felt disrespectful not to show up, and I’m sorry it took a while. I’m Adol. Good to meet you, as much as is possible now, and I brought a drink as a gift. Taldan wine. I heard you liked that. Personally, I can’t tell them apart, but I’ll trust your judgment.”
He kneels down and pouts some of its content over the soil, then takes one sip himself and puts it away. ”So… you probably want to hear about the others first, if they haven’t come by yet. Everyone’s safe. Jamie too. I heard you two were a thing. Cuts a bit close to home, actually. Your family’s apparently safe too. After you died, they took that money you left them and fled the city. Maybe they’ll be back now? Wish I could tell you. Your belongings were enough to start over anywhere. But whatever they do, I’ll pray for their safety. That I can promise.”
He makes a prayer gesture for the fallen man as well. ”I hope that as a fellow warrior, you’ll accept me helping out. I haven’t really felt like myself since your friends rescued me, and if I were more superstitious, I’d think I was being haunted. On the off chance that’s true, don’t worry. It might not have been my fight, but I owe the others, and I can’t walk away from an undead apocalypse either – even as I am now. I hope it’s over, but I have to be sure that there are no loose ends. And if we find any… I’ll do my best. I still have part of my honor to live up to.”
Very surprisingly, there is no answer.
He laughs once and raises the bottle once more. ”I’ll take that as implied consent. Maybe you’ll allow me to practice this Osirian toast Farkhan’s been teaching me… I think it was: “ Qad yareaa Maeizuk Muakharatak.” …I probably butchered that, but it’s the thought that counts, isn’t it?”
Taking a final sip, he bows once before the grave, adjusts his cloak and begins his return trip.
On the way, out, he took one of his wands and, on a whim…
A slow grin formed on his lips as a huge weight fell from his shoulders. "Thank you, Ammon." he thought, as the translucent barrier of the Shield spell formed, and faded at the end of the street.
The celebrations for resolving the undead crisis take a lot of energy out of Jazadi--the effort of documenting all she experienced is enough to compel her to turn in early for the night.
She's not too difficult to find next morning--she's quietly enjoying a decent breakfast of scrambled eggs and jerky.
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Jamie accepts the rewards and accolades with stoic decorum. Her usual boisterousness is nowhere to be seen, and though she smiles and toasts with her friends that night, there is no joy in her eyes. She excuses herself from the celebrations early and retires to her room.
That is where Dhakira finds her the next morning. The halfling answers the door clad in her nightgown. Her eyes are bleary and red, and her hair is a mess.
When the dwarf asks if she is okay, Jamie quickly responds, "Yes, I'm fine." After a beat, though, she sighs and her shoulders slump. "No, I am not fine. It's... it's not fair!" Fresh tears begin to streak down her cheeks. "It's not fair! We should have been able to save him! We shouldn't have let that happen to him! Why? Why did he have to die? Why did he... Why did he have to leave me?"
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Sebti sends a messenger with a note for each of you, six days after your triumphant success over the Necromancer.
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To the Falcons and Jamie and Adol - the Saviours of Wati,
I hope that you have had time to recuperate after your selfless deeds to protect what we hold so dear to our hearts and that all of the good word I have spread has meant you were treated well by our citizens. Wati is indeed recovering from its losses quicker than I would have expected due to its community spirit, inspired by you. I would like you to join me for dinner this evening in my private quarters in the Mausoleum for a final thanks. Please be prompt for dining at sunset, my cook can be demanding.
I have the honour to be your obedient servant,
High Priestess, Sebti The Crocodile
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Upon attending the Mausoleum that evening, in whatever manner of dress you deem appropriate for the event, you are greeted by two acolytes who show you to Sebti's grand private quarters in a private wing attached to the Mausoleum. Pteminib also seems to have been invited with his unusual tiny Psychopomp you remember conversing with not all that long ago.
It is a joyous affair and the food never stops coming; there is course after course of divinely prepared dishes and both Sebti and Pteminib continue with their well-rehearsed party talk. Anytime anybody tries to pry Sebti for information, they receive a sharp look to quieten them and a swift change of topic.
Sebti's face grows more solemn as the last dish of juicy dates drizzled with honey and sprinkled with crumbled almonds, is cleared from the table and the server leaves the room at Sebti's command, closing the door behind them with a click.
"Jamie, if you would be so kind as to check nobody is listening before we begin?" She says softly, to avoid anybody overhearing.
When she is satisfied that you are all alone, she takes a chain from around her neck that was not previously visible and passes it to Jazadi"Jazadi, take this key and open my wall safe behind that portrait over there to remove the mask so that we can examine it whilst we discuss this artifact you found and its significance."
"I have conversed with my superiors about this mask to find out everything I can. I ended up conversing directly with the Ruby Prince, Khemet III himself who agrees that this mask should belong to you due to the rules of the lottery that were in place. The Ruby Prince agrees this would also avoid any other.....political repercussions."
The mask, now lying on the table in front of you all, is a stunning masterpiece carved from gold and inlaid with cobalt, lapis lazuli and Onyx.
Sebti stares at the mask for a few moments, clearly lost in her own thoughts before continuing. "I have reason to believe that there is a group who is after this mask for more nefarious deeds and I don't believe we have seen all this mask has to offer yet. I was made aware of their existence in the past two days and we need to ensure that they do not get their hands on this artifact but we also need to learn what their plans for it may be. After the destruction it rained down on Wati, we cannot leave this to chance."
"We know nothing of this funerary mask apart from the fact that it is very powerful and was for Hakotep I or the Sky Pharoah, I am not entirely sure if they are one and the same. All information on the Sky Pharoah has been removed from our archives, I personally looked through the records we have in Wati on the Pharaohs. All I could find is that Hakotep was a Pharoah of the distant past. I think another Pharoah claimed the title "Sky Phaaroah" - Menedes I - but he seems to have no connection to Hakotep. We know that Hakotep built the "Slave Trenches of Hakotep" as we can find his cartouche there, but no other information was found in our records. If anywhere is to have more information, then the library in Tephu would be the place to start. "
Pteminib looks concerned before reiterating Sebti's previous request."As the High Priestess said before, we feel it is vital we learn of the dangerous mask's origins and more about the strange cult seeking it for our own safety, but we have no servants to spare. We would suggest, if any or all of you are willing, for you to travel to Tephu, the City of Reeds, and consult its extensive library - perhaps the greatest repository in all of Osirion."
1)Remember that a mask was stolen from the Sanctum of the Erudite Eye in your lottery sites.
2) This post.
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She tries to talk to Aldol, to get to know him better. If he's going to join them on more adventures, it's always a good thing to know those you might have to rely on to save your life.
At breakfast, Adol is engrossed in a dictionary. "Qad... 'may' Yareea... 'Yara'? Is that a name? Should it be "yaree"? No, it was yareea, he said. But... that has the same meaning? Er... 'May Yara' Mae...izuk? 'music'? No, can't be that lucky, of course. Ah - 'Fix?' 'May Yara Fix'... something?" Sounds strange for a toast... did I make a mistake?"
His eyes snap up, surprised, when Dhakira talks to him. "Oh, priestess Dhakira? Good morning to you," He gives her a formal nod. "My apologies, I am trying to learn ancient Osiriani, but decided to try my hand at the the current tongue too. I am, loathe to say, not doing so well. It's not an easy language to pick up in either case." Closing the book, the paladin looks up. "You say you want to know more about me? Yes, I suppose I should have been more forthright..."
At dinner, Adol looks up at the gathered Falcons and Jamie. "So... I have been putting this conversation off perhaps longer than I should, and my apologies for that. But, if you'd have me, I'd like to stay around a bit longer. I owe you for saving my life, and there's something I have to do here. Though, you deserve the truth before making any decisions."
He drinks from his mug and his eyes take a far-away look."I came here to hunt someone down. Or actually, two people. Two women, a human and a gnome. We... used to be part of this same group of Pathfinders they sent out to do exploration missions and tasks. It went well at first; I thought the things we did were heroic and worthwhile. But... the short of it is that in the end, I was deceived twice. The human, Eliza, hid her necromantic activities wherever we went, and Kyra tricked me into a conflict with the paladin order I was a part of. I was... naive, and believed that a spontaneously appearing script in my journal was Iomedae speaking to me. In reality, in hindsight it was probably Kyra writing in them while invisible," Though he's overly solemn and seemingly regretful, there is a slight blush when he mentions the last bit. "That might have been intended as a joke as gnomes tend to... but jokes can be cruel if they go wrong."
He shifts his headband and the word 'heretic' is seared into his skin and flesh beneath. "I don't know why they came here. Though, there are both tombs and undead. If I find Eliza... I'll kill her for what she did in Urgothoa's name. And Kyra..."
There's a moment of silence. "I... don't know," He hesitates. "We... used to be lovers, whether or not that was real. Some thought it a strange match, a human and a gnome," he glances at Jamie, then Say'ri and Uthe. And Dhakira and Jazadi. "Though I seem to be in accepting company on that front."
"I'm not going to put vengeance ahead of your goals. I have this feeling that if you keep delving into tombs and more comes of this mask and the undead cult, perhaps, we'll find them eventually. I just ask you, if you choose to accept my help, to not stop me when we do."
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"Damn," Say'ri says softly when Adol recounts his story. "No offence Adol, but they sound like a couple of right b+$#@es. I think you're a lot better off without them. Now honestly we're a bit of a mishmash ourselves. Jazz and I came here from Alkenstar and we kinda... picked everyone else up along the way. The gods have been kind, we're a good team but I think I speak for all of us when I say there's room for one more - particularly someone who's willing to stand up at the front and take some hard knocks. My girls are wonderful but they aren't the toughest bunch in the world." She eases herself up and steps over to the paladin. "Now I can't speak for Jamie, that's been made clear, but on behalf of the Falcons - welcome to our ranks."
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"There is some business that I would like to finish, here in Wati." Say'ri says slowly. "How critical is this time-wise? Can we afford another five days before we set out? I'm in the middle of some projects that would be set back if we have to set out before they're done. I think we are all happy to accept the mission however. More knowledge has never hurt anyone and I for one would like to see Tephu."
She doesn't need to look at Jazadi to know how excited the archaeologist is going to be.
Jazadi listens to Adol's story, nodding at the end. "I think we'll be happy to have you along full-time."
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The archaeologist can't suppress a little squeal of glee. "More chances to learn!"
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Dhakira watches her crying friend, taken aback for a moment. ''Pharasma help me! Healing their bodies is easy, but when the injury is to their soul, magic doesn't help... Please my Lady, help me find the words.''
Then she opens up her arms to the grieving halfling, offering a hug and says, remembering her own loss: ''I know what it is to loose a cherished one my dear, and there are no words that will lessen your sorrow. Ammon sacrificed himself to save a lot of lives, and I'm really sorry that his wounds were too great for my magic to help. But know that my Lady Pharasma will take care of his soul and make he goes where he deserves for his sacrifice, and where one day you'll will reunited for eternity.'' Then, if Jamie lets her, she holds her silently and let's her cry.
After leaving Jamie's room, hopefully in a bit better spirits then when she found her, she sees Jazadi having breakfast in the common room, and joins her, with her permission. She starts eating in silence, the weight of their loss still on her mind. But she doesn't mind the silence with Jazadi, it is warm and inviting companionship. Still after a while she brakes it, and puts her hand on the other woman's ans asks gently: ''How are you holding up?''
''Thank you Adol for sharing those difficult memories with us. we all have our reasons for coming to this city, but I think we are united in our haterd of the undeath, and I join my companions'', she nods to Say'ri and Jazadi ''to welcome you in our company.''
She spends some time during the rest of the week shopping. She happy to find a rod that will help make the heralds that Pharasma sends her even stronger. She also uses a few hours everyday to help her fellow pharasmins perform funeral rituals for the numerous people who passed away during the undead attacks, making sure that their souls are at rest.
She is quite exited when they receive the priestess' invitation. She takes an unusual time preparing for the evening, finding her fancy ritualistic robes in the bottom of her bags. She asks Uthe to cast Prestidigitation on them to help freshen them up and smooth the wrinkles.
She listens with fascination to her superior's explanation and examines the mask with attention, feeling it's power over undeath, not daring to touch it. She's happy to hear Say'ri say they're gonna accept the mission and winks at Jazadi...
"...I'm exhausted, mostly." Jazadi sighs, her hand curling around Dhakira's. "But I'm glad that the undead crisis is resolved."
-------------------
Jazadi catches Dhakira's wink--and for a moment, doesn't quite process it.
The sudden blush appearing on her face indicates that she eventually does.
"There is some business that I would like to finish, here in Wati." Say'ri says slowly. "How critical is this time-wise? Can we afford another five days before we set out? I'm in the middle of some projects that would be set back if we have to set out before they're done. I think we are all happy to accept the mission however. More knowledge has never hurt anyone and I for one would like to see Tephu."
Sebti and Pteminib both glance towards each other before Sebti replies cautiously. "Well we are certainly glad that you seem to be willing to look into this danger furtherand keep the mask safe. I cannot mandate you to travel at all, but I must express that the longer you leave your journey, the more perilous the situation may become depending on this shadowy group's intentions. The more your learn of it and the sooner you can work out the situation, the safer we can all sleep at night."
Pteminib nods in agreement. "Its not far to Tephu, you can take the ferry across the river when you're ready, it only takes a few hours up stream."
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Once dinner has concluded and everyone has left the temple Say'ri explains her thinking to the rest of the group.
"Uthe and I are in the middle of some delicate work on my pistols right now." She says. "It'll take about another five days, that's right isn't it kitten? And I'm doing some extra work with Hotep - that's one of the blacksmith's here. I can pick that up and bring it with me but I won't be able to work without the proper tools and so on, so moving to Tephu before we're done would mean having to find a new blacksmith who'll let me borrow his shop." Her grimace shows how likely she thinks that will be.
"If people are really worried then you guys could go to Tephu and we'll catch up in a few days."
She nods towards the bag in Adol's hands, being the strongest (and the man) he was automatically 'volunteered' to carry the groups latest acquisition. "And what are we going to do about that? It seems powerful so we might want to use it, but if this cult are hunting it then we can't have anyone walking around in public with it on..."
When the leader formally accepts him in, Adol gives Say'ri a firm handshake along with a small grin. "I can certainly do that. Standing in front, looking tough and imposing, and healing myself when my face gets bashed in again. It seems to be the fate of paladins wherever we go," he says, with some good-natured humor. "Though rather mine than any of ...-"
There's a moment of sudden pause as he looks around the room and he seems to realize something.
"Wait. Does that mean I have to chaperone them. All *five* of them? Against all of their fans!? They *are* all girls. How did Ammon ever do this!?"
"...the fairer sex among us." he finishes, and hoped no one noticed the cold sweat that threatened to break under the surface. Partly to distract himself from such prospects, he thanks Dhakira and Jazadi too, for their votes of support.
"Personally, I do think Sebti and Ptreminib do have a point. Five days is a lot of time for this cult to regroup their losses and for news to reach them that the mask was gifted to us," Adol muses. "However... we had this rule in the society, to never split the group. I haven't been part of you for that long, but it seems that as a ranged combatant and our arcane specialist, we can't miss you if we're attacked on the way."
He looks down on the mask in his hands, along with all other heavy equipment was loaded onto his bag. "The cult will be coming for this thing most of all, probably. I... could offer to keep it with me and wear it when we're out of town. If the goal is to have me take most of the punishment anyway, that seems to fit. I'm hard to sneak up on and kill, but perhaps more importantly, I also don't have much affinity with magic. Should something go wrong and this mask take me over or such, I don't see myself ever raising an undead army. I simply lack the ability to. And I'm also fairly sure my goddess would withdraw her support of all my granted divine powers, should that occur."
Adol has a feat that grants +2 to one ability score, currently charisma. The mask would put that to +4 and free up the +2 to another score. Str or con/wis perhaps. Just the cha however:
+1 extra to all saves, +1 LoH/day, +1 to all smite evil rolls, +1 UMD, +1 to the willsave DC of his LoH sanctuary effect, his main defensive feature. He can exchange two LoH for one smite evil as a side benefit.
''I know what it is to loose a cherished one my dear, and there are no words that will lessen your sorrow. Ammon sacrificed himself to save a lot of lives, and I'm really sorry that his wounds were too great for my magic to help. But know that my Lady Pharasma will take care of his soul and make he goes where he deserves for his sacrifice, and where one day you'll will reunited for eternity.'' Then, if Jamie lets her, she holds her silently and let's her cry.
Jamie buries her face in Dhakira's chest and begins to sob openly. "It's not fair," she says again, voice muffled. "I came back from death. Why could he not? Even in a different body, he would still be alive. He could still hold me in his arms. I never thought... I never thought I could love a man as much as I loved him. I did not realize the depth of my feelings until he was gone... Until it was too late to tell him..."
***
Jamie simply nods in agreement, accepting Adol into the party's ranks.
***
"We're not in any particular hurry," Jamie says to Say'ri. "Let us finish up everything we need to do here in Wati before traveling to Tephu."
After 5 more days in Wati, its clear the town is bouncing back on its feet very quickly. Now, most of the damage to the main buildings has been fixed and people are starting to get back into their daily routines. There is an odd atmosphere here, as people grieve for their loved ones and help them move onto the after life whilst also celebrating your triumph over the undead uprising. The Necropolis is completely sealed off as it once was by the Mausoleum with guards posted by its entrances as if to reassure the populace.
Tephu lies downstream from Wati to the northwest, just a short boat ride across the River Sphinx. Ferries regularly ply the river, conveying people, goods, and livestock across the water, and their pilots cram the docks in the Veins and Bargetown, Wati’s harbor districts, looking for passengers. Wati’s ferrymen are forceful, some would say overbearing, and fall over themselves to obtain fares.
.
Your chosen ferry journey is shared with farmers escorting their heaped piles of goods and a camel trader, making for a noisy and smelly, but thankfully short, trip. The journey takes only a few hours and is uneventful.
While on your journey, the Ferryman strongly recommends you stay at the Inn of the Desert Winds if you are staying for a little while. He explains that the inn is among the most popular in Tephu among travelers and those new in town. The inn has comfortable rooms and a spacious tavern where dozens of patrons drink and dance long into the night, with performers every night of the week. The inn’s owner, Thabat Pehta tends the bar and has an astounding Pomegranate Liqueur. Based on this well-rehearsed marketing campaign, its very probable that the Ferryman has a deal with the owner, considering how much the extolls the place.
Like most Osirian cities on the banks of the River Sphinx, Tephu is hot, dusty, and perpetually busy. Its streets are full of hawkers and peddlers, well known for their stubbornness, sham charm, and inability to hear the word no.
As soon as you step off the ferry in the City’s New Town district you are swarmed by hawkers looking to sell their wares. Unfortunately, compared to the other travellers from Wati on the ferry, it is pretty clear that some of you do not frequent Tephu. You’re offered everything from savory minced lamb, limes, olives, mint tea, and water to carpets; ”These are magic carpets you know?”, camel hide leather goods, hookah pipes, pesh, pots and pans, and even camels.
Dhakira strokes the haflings golden hair, ''I kown, I know. but like us he has already came back from the dead once, which is more then what Pharasma allows for most.'' Even though she herself is still reeling from the fact that her healing magic wasn't strong enough to save Ammon, she tries her best to consol Jamie. ''As for your feelings, I KNOW that wherever Pharrasma has sent him, he is aware of them and watches over you, ...us.''
Remembering that she almost came back to late to save Jamie when the party was split, ''I don't think it's a good idea to split the party and will oppose it formally. I hate to delay going after this cult, giving them more time to maybe create more undeath, but having you guys well equiped'', she smiles to Say'ri ''might make less work for me. Even though I can feel that Pharasma has strenghtened my healing magic, the less I have to use, the better it is'' she jokes.
Then she looks at the mask in Adol's hands: ''While I'm pretty confident I would resist the lure of undeath magic, I will sleep better at night knowing it's the hands of a stalwart paladin of Iomedea.''
Dakhira is quite overwhelmed at first by all the bustling and activity of the hawkers. She's never seen anything like that in the more quiet dwarven city of Erekrus. She's able to ignore them and follow her allier after a moment ''What do you think about this Inn of the Desert Winds gals and guy?'' she adds with a gourmand smile ''This Pomegranate liqueur seems promising...''
Dhakira’s words seem to comfort Jamie. She wipes at her eyes. ”Thank you. I just need some time. I’ll... I’ll be alright.”
***
Some of Jamie’s usual joie de vivre has returned by the time they reach Tephu. She studiously ignores the salespeople with a practiced air of snobbishness. ”It sounds as good a place as any. Let us head there, Falcons!”
"Yeah, it'd at least be a good idea to find a place away from these snake-oil salesmen."
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"Far be it for me to disappoint our resident gourmands." Say'ri says with a smile. "To the Inn!"
Once there she pulls Jazadi aside.
"Hey Jazz. I made this for you while we were in Wati. I hope you like it." 'It' is a pistol, lovingly engraved with Say'ri's personal falcon, clutching a scroll in its talons.
"Now that Uthe has finished the enchantments I don't need to carry so much ammo." The gunslinger continues, "So let's get you some practise!"
Jazadi's eyes widen as Say'ri gives her the pistol. "...oh my goodness..."
"...thank you so much!" She grabs Say'ri in a bear hug.
Adol is quite amused by the Ferryman's praising of the specific inn, and then the prompt acceptance of it by everyone. "I suppose that if it doesn't live up to its image, we can find a new place soon enough."
He gives the ferryman an extra silver in tip on the good faith that the inn was worth its salt.
A few paces later, when the group is swarmed by traders, he keeps his arms very tight around his purse and handy haversack - which held the mask. Though he was somewhat curious about these 'magic carpets' and was halfway through the process of asking for a demonstration, a few flat stares cause him to back off and follow the others to the inn.
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Jazadi's eyes widen as Say'ri gives her the pistol. "...oh my goodness..."
"...thank you so much!" She grabs Say'ri in a bear hug.
"You're welcome!" Say'ri gasps as Jazz does her level best to squeeze the air from her lungs. "Hauling library books agrees with you!" She takes a theatrically deep breath when Jazz puts her down and continues. "You'll want to practise mostly with mine, then you can have all the shots you need, but I can get the ingredients cheaply enough for you to do some practise with your own too."
The combination of long days enchanting her lover's pistol along with late nights spent with said lover has left the sorceress tired, snappish, and catching cat naps whenever possible.
Once the group arrives in Tephu, however, she brightens up. Convinced that someone of her origin is always better off on her own two feet, Uthe ignores the possibility of 'magic carpets' entirely. The shiny baubles and bangles, however, draw her eyes immediately and it's only through Say'ri's tugging arm that she leaves hucksters behind to follow the rest of her companions towards the suggested inn.
After having to ask for a few directions, you manage to find the Inn of the Desert Wind. It seems to be a popular place with travelers and you don't stick out quite as much as you did on the dock.
As soon as you enter, now it is lunchtime, you are greeted with the mouth-watering scent of food. You're only able to secure 3 rooms for the next week, as they are full to the brim but Thabat Pehta, the owner and barkeep, provides you with a hearty meal of roasted waterfowl with grilled vegetables and some chilled beer.
Dismissing the grilled vegetables as beneath her and the beer as foul, Uthe tears into the roasted waterfowl with gusto. Her sharp teeth making quick work of her own portion. She then begins eyeing her partner's plate with a hungry grin.
"We suggest relaxing tonight," the amurrun finally says when it's plainly obvious that Say'ri is not going to hand over her own lunch to Uthe's longing gaze. "We can visit the library first thing tomorrow after lunch."
When hearing that they can get only 3 rooms, Dhakira smiles demurely to Jazadi and says: ''I guess will have to share''
She sits down with the orthers for the meal and eats heartily. She also enjoys the beer, but in moderation, wanting to be sharp and alert the next morning. A day of research is always fun but need a clear head. And we never know where danger lurks. '' I agree with Uthe that we should rest from our trip before going to the library. But I wouldn't mind spending an hour or two around town this afternoon to get the pulse of the place.''
Jamie looks up at Adol. ”You’re with me, then. I sincerely hope you do not snore. You look like a snorer.”
Jamie looks up at Adol. ”You’re with me, then. I sincerely hope you do not snore. You look like a snorer.”
"Really? Then you'll be happy to know appearances can be deceiving. I am quite sure I won't snore. I don't intend to sleep, after all," he comments, serious but for the tiniest hint of a grin. His eyelids venture sideways for a subtle yet unmistakable moment - towards the bag which held the Mask.
Jamie shrugs. "Suit yourself. I intend to get all of my requisite beauty rest, thank you very much." She gives her blonde hair a haughty toss.
"And far be it from me to deny you," he gives a warm smile, amused, then takes a look at the services the inn offered. "Though, I could do for a bath. Donning this plate around in a desert is trying. I wonder if the price includes a servant to help putting it back on... unless, someone would volounteer to help?" he asks to no one in particular.
Jazadi shrugs at the mention of sharing a room with Dhakira. "Sounds lovely! Last time was a good arrangement."