Aerith listened to the others talk, and then shrugged. While she understood intellectually that what they earned here was all that she’d have to live on, the reality of that hadn’t yet sunk in. The gold they were earning seemed to trivial. It was hard to get worked up over so little.
Turning to priestess she said ”I have no issue letting you leave unharmed. Nor do I care if you consecrate this place for your goddess. So long as you swear before your goddess that you won’t attempt to harm us.”
Picking up the golden apple, she walked over to the mercenary. ”This.” She said, holding out the apple Is a solid gold apple. It is enchanted, so that when thrown, it fills all who see greed and desire, freezing them in place. Given that you didn’t provide your services as I offered, but you did refrain from joining your foolish employer, I think that this would be a suitable reward. And if an enchanted golden apple seems too cheap for you not stabbing us, then you can suggest what you can do that would constitute your services.” Her blade continued to hover, ready for use if needed.
Mahmoud stares impassively as Epperson talks, and continues his look as Aerith contributes her suggestion. He doesn't take issue with the solution that the elven mage has proposed, and seems more concerned with demonstrating that he is ready to continue the battle if any of their former opponents try anything.
Raising an eyebrow as Epperson broad brush strokes the 'Shadows' in the same image of the 'Scorched Hands', Tribim quickly realizes the dwarf was trying to give the Nethysians an out. Nodding in agreement with Epperson and Aerith, giving the cleric back their holy symbol and the elf payment in the form of the magical apple was fair. Looking towards Mahmoud, he wanting to hear the captive's response to their questions. The offer to have the half elf join them was interesting. The shadows being five members again was appealing, but not at the cost of someone who would sell them out to the highest bidder. Also if the Nethysians were not willing to live and let live, he would insist they drag the two remaining members before the Pharasmin Judges. Looking from Mahmoud to the 'Scorched Hands', he asks "So what will it be?"
The mercenary shrugs and takes the apple. "Sounds fair enough. This whole job's been a debacle anyway. I'm going to go back to town and get a drink."
The priest thinks a bit longer but also agrees. "Aziz will require more care than I can offer here. I'll return in a few days after Aziz is better. That should be enough time for you to conduct your business. Please treat the grounds with respect."
”We will.” Aerith replied, the apply floating out of her hand and over to the mercenary. Her tone made it clear that the discussion was over and they were expected to leave.
Epperson grunts as the footsteps of the defeated fade away. "We should determine what we know so far about these bloody foot prints," he reasons.
"We only saw them in the octagonal room with the empty chest, yeah? Headed away from the stairs..."
Epperson scratches his beard.
"And we didn't see them anywhere else. Maybe we go back and look again?"
D14
A stone effigy of a humanoid figure stands at the north end of this room, its arms spread in a gesture of supplication, or as if commanding an object to rise in the air. The figure's face is devoid of detail, with only vague contours where the eyes and nose should be. An extensive series of hieroglyphs covers the western wall, opposite a stone bench that stands against the eastern wall.
D15
A large silver summoning circle is inlaid in the floor tiles near the center of this octagonal chamber. In the northeast corner of the room, a set of narrow steps leads up to a raised dais. A concave stone bench, almost a throne, perches atop the dais, flanked by two bronze braziers. Four columns carved in the form of fantastic creatures support the room's vaulted ceiling.
D20
Hieroglyphs cover the walls of this chamber. In the middle of the room, a large and majestic stone sarcophagus rests atop a raised stone platform, and several clay jars sit on the floor nearby. Two lacquered benches stand near the doors to the south.
"Hunh. More space; no bloody footprints.....sarcophagus!"
Epperson's attention is immediately diverted to the ornate-appearing sarcophagus, his eyes ablaze with fervour.
"A perfect setting for a curse if ever I saw one!" The dwarf approaches eagerly, but with trepidation, avoiding the summoning circle (and his weapon and shield drawn).
Nodding in agreement with Aerith, Tribim turns to do a more detailed search of the rooms. As Epperson brings up the foot prints, Tribim puases, having seen enough to become a 'believer' he asks, "Maybe the foot prints were left by a ghost?" Shrugging he continues looking about.
Not sure what to think of the suplicating stone effigy or the large summoning circle and it's throne, Tribim moves on looking for portable treasuer. As they enter the room with the stone sarcophaus, Tribim nods in agreement with the dwarf, "Perfect setting for treasure as well." As they look around, Tribim pauses to read the hieroglyphs and carefully inspect the sarcophagus for traps.
"Djedihepet - a wise counselor, trusted keeper of secrets, and good friend of the Pharaoh"
Inside the sarcophagus, you find two mummies: a human and a rat. There are also wax-sealed canopic jars. More interesting, though, is the hidden button near the head of the sarcophagus. After examining it with an abundance of caution , Tribim determines that it's trapped! It's difficult to disable, but the catfolk eventually manages.
Potential Loot
Onyx Funerary Mask
Gold and Black-enameled Holy Symbol of Nethys
ring of the grasping grave
Mahmoud is visibly impressed with Tribim's trapfinding and disabling abilities, and nods at him with satisfaction as they collect the treasures.
"That ring is....interesting," Epperson mounts a grim nod of approval. "It's almost as if it curses the already cursed. I am impressed."
He heaves a big sigh. "I confess my disappointment as to the lack of curses present." He sniffs at the canopic jars. "We could probably sell these as well."
Epperson thinks to himself. "There are a few doors to the west of here that we've not yet explored. There's still a chance we will answer the mystery of the bloody footprints."
Smiling as Mahmoud nods towards him, Tribim nods back as he helps load the treasure they'd found. As Epperson comments about the ring, Tribim adds, "You should keep it Epperson, a curse to a curse sounds like something befitting your skills."
As the dwarf comments about the tombs in the western room, Tribim nods, "The three of those tombs were still sealed. I doubt I can pry them open, but you may be able to break the stone with your adamantine flail."
”I respond well to challenges,” the dwarf deadpans.
Mahmoud follows, an eyebrow crooked as he is curious to see how the flail does against the doors.
None of you recognize the name from the hieroglyphs, but Aerith realizes the date is during the reign of Pharaoh Djederet II - the founder of Wati.
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Epperson's flail makes short work of the stone walls, revealing three sarcophagi identical to the others in the room. Inside each is a mummified corpse.
Potential Loot
Gold Funerary Mask x3