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You quickly move to attack the skeleton, inflicting a fair bit of damage to the undead's reinforced bones. The mithral shirt it's wearing does mitigate some of your attacks, though. Fighting off Epperson's curse , it strikes with a surprisingly-powerful blow.
Attempting to parry the blade, Aerith stood still with a look of intense concentration on her face. It might have been conical, if not for the blade that flew through the air at her command.
Mahmoud continues his assault on the presumed undead cleric.
As Epperson calls the skeleton resourceful and Mahmoud asks it it's a cleric, Tribim shrugs his shoulders. Hoping the dwarf would be ok, he shifts, feinting again with the kunai in his off-paw, and then tries to smash the skeletons ribs with a combination of three quick strikes.
"Ow," Epperson grunts as the skeleton's spear stabs a less-vital section of his body thanks to Aerith. "My thanks," he nods at the elf as he grunts and swings.
"THBBBBT!"
All of you deal damage to the skeleton, but it's Epperson's flail that ends up bringing down the undead.
Potential Loot
spear of the watchful guardian
Mithral Shirt
Wooden Holy Symbol of Nethys
Keys
Spear of the Watchful Guardian
This magically-strengthened bronze-tipped spear sharpens the senses of its wielder , can alter its physical properties , and grants arcane aid to strike true .
Mahmoud kicks through the skeleton's remains and helps collect the treasures off of its body. He looks over each and passes them to Epperson to make sure none of them are cursed.
Epperson holds onto each item in turn with a bit of melodramatic zeal, daring a curse to enter his body.
"well Done!" Happy to see the dangerous skeleton fall, Tribim watches Mahmoud pass the creatures gear to Epperson to check for curses. As the dwarf handles each item, Tribim takes off his pack so Epperson can drop the items in. Nodding towards the keys he adds "Those will be helpful"
Putting his pack back on, Tribim picks up the spear and turns towards the door he was standing near. "May as well keep moving." As he inspects the doors he adds, "I think the spear aids insight."
”It does indeed seem to be enchanted for that purpose. Can you make use of it?” The elf asked. ”When searching for traps, it seems wise to be forewarned.”
"Speaking of what's wise, I think it's time that I tend to my wounds," quips the dwarf as he unhouses his wand and tries to get it to work.
"MUCH better," he grunts, replacing his wand in his belt.
The door is locked, but one of the skeleton's keys opens it. On the other side is a winding hallway with several doors and gates. Another of the keys unlocks the closest gate.
D18
A large, star-shaped fountain with a circular basin in the center occupies most of this octagonal chamber, surrounded by a ring of stones engraved with hieroglyphs. Roaring blue flames rise from the basin to almost touch the ceiling. The area is separated from the rest of the complex by a metal gate just to the south.
"Pool of Destruction"
The dwarf looks around.
Having unlocked the southern metal gate with the keys, Tribim, reads the ancient Osiriani inscription aloud. "Pond of Destruction."
Turning towards the others, "Well that doesn't sound good."
He gestures towards the flames with the spear and asks the dwarf, "What do you think Epperson? Is it cursed?"
The dwarf nods.
"I should check that out," he surmises, grabbing the recently-acquired wooden holy symbol of Nethys and the spear. Epperson then approaches the pool and thrusts the holy symbol - dangled from the tip of the spear - into the blue flames to see what happens while trying to keep a safe distance.
Nothing happens when the holy symbol is dipped into the pool. It seems to be very similar to the pool on the main level.
Epperson pulls the untouched holy symbol from the flames and gingerly touches it. After determining it to be unchanged, he shrugs.
”Probably not cursed. Maybe like the other fountain we saw?” He hands back both items.
Watching as Epperson tests the 'blue flame' Tribim nods. "Ok, so just a fountain that spews blue flame." He nods towards the bars towards he east, "Let's keep moving forwards." As he talks he looks for a lock to try his newly found keys on.
D19
Two rows of columns support the vaulted ceiling of this large chamber. Inscribed hieroglyphs cover most of the room's walls, but the southern wall is rough and unfinished. Three passages, each closed with a bronze gate, exit the room to the north, east, and west.
As Tribim begins working on the locked gate, four familiar figures step out from behind the various pillars: the Scorched Hand. "That's far enough, Shadows," their wide-hatted leader announces. "We've claimed this site in the name of Nethys."
Raising an eyebrow as the Taldan woman in the wide hat 'stakes her claim' Tribim, having spent a fair amount of time with 'religious types,' knew the easiest way to get along with them. So, in that vein of thought, he agrees, in a way of sorts. "Reclaming the site for Nethys is an absolutely positive idea and you were even able to explore the temple as you'd desired." Tribim gestures towards his friends. "We've never had any desire to claim the site in the name of our gods, the Temple of the Erudite Eye would always be a temple of Nethys, first and foremost." Shrugging,"Now as per the agreement with the rules of the lottery, according to Sebti the Crocodile we're here for the possessions of the dead"." giving a light smile, "How did she put it? "The Lady of Graves is a far better judge of destiny than we of this mortal sphere"." His smile widens. "This is what we will do. You get to reclaim the temple and perform whatever rights you want. We'll claim any portable goods to be returned for sale. Everyone's happy, none of this needs to be reported to Sebti the Crocodile and the Scorched Hand will get to continue searching other places the lottery presents to them." His smile turns 'wolfish' "Or we can do it the hard way. Really doesn't matter to us."
"My comrade speaks the truth. This way everyone wins. We get what is our legal and moral right, and all of you get to honor your esteemed goddess. There is no need for us to come to blows." The elf added.
Epperson cocks an eyebrow at his comrades, clears his throat, and adds:
"What they said."
Mahmoud backs up his comrades with a menacing glower. "We will ignore the fact that you have been sending enemies to ambush us, but only if you leave now. If not, we have a lot of grievances to settle."
You notice that the half-elf guarding the apparent leader of the group is the only one not displaying any Nethysian paraphernalia. Either she's keeping her faith private, or there's something else keeping her with the Scorched Hand. Before you have much time to consider this, though, the mage in the rear draws a wand angrily. "Sending enemies to ambush you?!? How dare you accuse - " he's cut off by an imperious gesture from the leader. "Shut up, Aziz. Adults are speaking. Shadows, perhaps you didn't understand me the first time. This temple is our site. The fact that the lottery said otherwise is irrelevant. If you're so desperate for spoils from grave-robbing, you can go search the location we were assigned instead. It's in the ghoul warrens, if I remember correctly."
Raising an eyebrow at the Aziz's outburst, Tribim turns towards the mage, questioning "Shut up Aziz? you put up with that type of talk? Yes, there were assassins waiting for us as we came here, weren't you told about the ambush? Why do you put up with that sort of treatment? You could join us, or just walk away." He turns and looks towards the half elf guard as well. "It's clear your leader is intent on breaking the law and stealing from us, knowing full well you will have to 'silence us.' You can't let any of us escape, Is this temple really worth your lives? If we don't kill you the Pharasmins will. Do you ow them that great of debt?" As he speaks he opens the gate, inferring the two of them (or anyone else) could leave.
Aerith glared at the leader of the opposing group. To be talked down to by such a lowborn cur was aggravating. Standing next to Epperson she whispered ”If they push this any further I can teleport you wherever you want. Just tell me where…”
[url= http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/warp]If fighting breaks out Aerith can spend a spell point to teleport Epperson and he can then act normally. Great for taking out enemy back-liners. Ill leave it to him on where he wants to be placed, so he can do it himself and I’ll just check off a spell point[/ooc]
Aziz is clearly barely holding his temper in check. He's obviously extremely hotheaded.
The Scorched Hand's leader doesn't even try to hide her scorn. "You were ambushed by assassins and decide to blame us?!? How dare you assume we'd associate with lowlifes like that!" "I feel like my offer is extremely fair, but if you'd rather fight like senseless commonfolk, far me it from me to stop you. In my magnanimity, I'll give you one final chance to leave. Otherwise, we'll be forced to make you this tomb's newest inhabitants."
The half-elf doesn't seem particularly interested in the argument that's currently happening between your respective groups. If you had to guess, she's probably some sort of hired mercenary. In your experience, these types of adventurers aren't particularly loyal, as their ties are mostly monetary in nature.
Mahmoud flips his eponymous blade and glowers. "I have said what I have said. Why should we trust you? Prove your claim with your steel, if you dare."
”An equal share for your services!” Aerith called out to the mercenary, feeling fairly sure that this would be far more than what he was being paid. She kept it short, knowing that the offer was going to immediately lead to violence.
Shaking his head as he relatches the iron gate, "Sorry if the truth is upsetting Aziz, but your leader is clearly lying. Do you wonder what else she's lying to you about." Turning the key back in the lock. "Half elf, Since it seems you're the meat shield, we'll give you and Aziz equal shares with us if you two just sit this one out."
Waiving the key at the woman in the hat. "We're not going anywhere, you want a fight? Come and get it." As he finishes talking, he drops the keys in his pocket and gets ready to thrust the fancy bronze spear through the gates bars.
"Aziz cannot be bought!" screams the enraged mage as he waves his wand in your direction and begins to chant words of power.
A bolt of force shoots from Aziz's wand and strikes Tribim through the bars of the gate.
The man in front of Aziz utters a prayer and touches him, apparently bestowing a protective blessing. Meanwhile, the Scorched Hand's leader speaks a word, and several identical copies of herself appear.
You notice that the mercenary has yet to draw her khopesh. She seems conflicted.
As Tribim reached into his pouch for a potion, he tells the others, "Let me know when it's time to unlock the door." As he quickly drinks the potion.
"Epperson, ready?" Aerith said, as she made the motions and said the words needed to warp time and space, teleporting the dwarf into the midst of the foe.
Mahmoud responds to his opponents' burst of activity with a flurry of his own, tossing his ready dagger at the hotheaded magic-user.
"So be it," Epperson growls as Tribim absorbs the force blast.
One moment the dwarf is with his comrades; the next moment he stands behind the Scorched Hand.
The dwarf's calling card echoes out proudly, aimed squarely at the leader in the broad hat. On the contrary, his flail's aim is the wand-wielding Aziz.
"Fanny! Away!" The shadow of the bird flies up and out of Epperson's breastplate, aimed straight for the priest.
Although aiming is somewhat difficult due to the bars of the gate, one of Mahmoud's daggers flies true, wounding Aziz. Distracted by the pain, he doesn't even notice Epperson appear behind him. A moment later, he lies bleeding on the ground - to the horror of the priest in front of him. "Aziz! No!" He drops to his knees, a glowing hand extending toward his fallen companion.
He appears to be attempting to cast either a conjuration or necromancy spell.
The leader, meanwhile, backs away from Epperson and unleashes a gout of fire at the dwarf - heedless of the fact that Aziz is in the target area. The mercenary then steps protectively in front of her but takes no offensive action.
With the door now unlocked and opened, Aerith followed Tribim in. She strode forward and her blade flew out towards the enemy leader. Still annoyed at the presumptive tone taken, she greatly looked forward to seeing the cur humbled.
Realizing things were happening quickly, Tribim unlocks the door, opening it this time and moves into the room.
Mahmoud moves closer, avoiding clumping with his allies, and this time throws his dagger at the leader.
Epperson gets a bit crispy in the gout of flame from the be-hatted one, but doesn't let it distract him as he spies his allies entering the room.
he targets the priest tending to Aziz with both his tongue and his flail, as does Fanny.
Aerith's blade wounds the Hand's leader, but the rest of your attacks are either dodged or dispel her illusory doubles. "How dare you attack me! Do you have any idea who I am!?!" She draws a dagger - which immediately wreathes itself in flames - and tries to stab Mahmoud.
Fanny fails to stop the priest from casting his spell - which ends up stopping Aziz's bleeding - although the man remains unconscious. Ignoring his own wounds, the priest shouts, "I surrender! Please let me save him!"
Seeing how rapidly the situation is devolving, the mercenary looks at Aerith and Tribim. "You're serious about the equal share, right? Not just trying to get my guard down?"
Mahmoud perfectly executes a cross-body punch as the Hand's leader stabs him with her flaming dagger, turning it back towards its wielder.
Mahmoud grunts, listening to the discussion while keeping his eye on his opponent. "I won't attack you if you don't attack us," he mutters in response, "but for an equal share you'll have to do more than just stand there."
He throws his dagger again, since it's obvious the Hand's leader hasn't surrendered.
Drawing his blades as he moves into the room, Tribim tells the half elf, "Just keep those two from fleeing while we deal with the loud mouthed one."
Stepping beside Mahmound he feints with the blade in his right hand then slashes repeatedly with both blades.
”It doesn’t really matter - all of it - but you can stabilise your friend there. If he wakes up and starts using that wand of his again, then Fanny here is going to feast on your eyeballs.”
Epperson takes a guard stance around the two downed combatants.
Aerith was about to respond, when Mahmoud replied in a way that she found most satisfactory. And with Tribm giving orders to the cleric, she was left feeling rather glad to have companions who were competent enough to make sound decisions in the heat of battle.
Keeping her blade next to Mahmoud, she attacked the enemy leader, all the while preparing herself to block any further attacks from the flaming dagger.
Mahmoud's dagger dissipates the illusory double and injures the leader of the Scorched Hand. Distracted by the pain, she doesn't notice Tribim's approach ... and is swiftly annihilated by the subsequent flurry of slashes. The only remaining question is what to do with the rest of her party members.
Seeing the 'leader' fall, Tribim turns and nods his head towards the half elf, letting them know he appreciates their changing sides. Turning back to Mahmoud he asks, "You know the Pharasmin's better than I, should we bind these three and take them to the priests for judgement?" As he asks, he begins to search the body of the 'leader', then will frisk the other two assailants.
Mahmoud frowns, as if to say he is unsure what would happen if the Pharasmins sat in judgment. He looks to the others in the Hand, and to answer Tribim he asks another question. "What will you do now?" he asks them, remaining on his guard. "If we let you go, is that the end of it?" He stays close to Tribim as he makes sure they haven't hidden anything that is rightfully theirs.
As Mahmoud and Tribim frisk the Scorched Hand, the surviving members of the party consider their options. As you guessed, the mercenary's loyalty to her companions was solely monetary, and she's completely willing to cut her losses as long as her personal effects remain in her possession. The priest is more complicated. A true Nethysian, his motivations are ideological. As the Sanctum of the Erudite Eye is a Nethysian holy site, his eventual goal is to restore it to its former glory and found his own chapter of the faith in Wati.
On a completely unrelated note, you notice that none of the members of the Scorched Hand have wounds on their feet.
Potential Loot (leader)
alluring golden apple
ioun torch
Light Crossbow (bolt x10)
Silver Holy Symbol of Nethys
Spellbook
Spell Component Pouch
Epperson clears his throat and addresses everyone - including his party members.
"None of this matters. We're all grave robbers, so none of us have the moral authority to pass any kind of judgement."
He turns to the members of the defeated Scorched Hand. "I have no grudge against any of you. It seems your ass-hat of a leader there wanted to kill us. She posted snipers and mercenaries outside of this place who attacked us as we approached. I firmly believe that none of you - " he eyeballs the Nethysian priest just to be sure - "knew of that ill-thought plot. Now that she's dust, your slate is clean with me but any future actions starting NOW will be judged afresh."
He then turns to his colleagues, specifically looking at Mahmoud.
"We provided mixed messages to the half-elf mercenary. Aerith promised an equal share of loot for their services; Tribim just asked them to refrain from joining in the conversation. Mahmoud, you later told them that they needed to fight in order to get a full share."
Epperson grimaces in disgust.
"They did not raise a weapon or cast a spell against us. I say that they get a full share. I don't rightly care, but that's my opinion. Maybe this is an opportunity for us to return to the Five Shadows again. I'm sure that we'll have more work." The dwarf gives the female merc a considering glance before clearing his throat.
"I also would like to claim that silver holy symbol to Nethys." Epperson picks up the holy symbol and immediately hands it to the Scorched Hand priest with a nod. "Like I said, none of this matters. We were sent to canvas, explore, and secure this location. Our work isn't done as there's someone or something with bloody feet wandering around here and it's none of you."
He turns back to the Shadows. "I think that we should let them leave so that we can continue our work and then register this place as cleared with Sebti and the Pharasmins. I would apologise for the speech but, well....you know." The hint of a smirk appears on the Groetus devotee's face.