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Rani chokes back a scream as the trap slices into him. "Arrgh, false trigger." As the healing energies surge through him, Rani relaxes, "Thank you G'verne- Neve." Rani's accent starts at a gutter level then jumps up to polished."And to your Patron Shelyn." Rani turns, "This is going to be tricky, the traps here, in spite of their antiquity, are of high quality, more than I've ... studied." Rani stares furiously at the next door, trying to not die on it. find a trap he can handle.
Rani looks over his handywork. "Well, that should do it, but there is only one way to be sure." Rani walks through the area where the trap would swing, stopping before the next doors.
Rani is looking over the doors and hallways. He seems almost diappointed at not finding any on the doors but stops and stares at a point in the halls near the doors down the hall. "Master Badhru, I don't see any trap on the doors, not sure if that is true or just it's well concealed, but I do see some sort of blade trap past the doors in the hallway right there." Rani points at the place where the trap's almost invisible crack in the wall where the blade would pass through. "From it's size and slenderness I believe it would deliver a vicious slice to any that attempted passage. Best we take extreme care. If you would assist that would be most helpful." Rani extracts his lockpicks and with some trepidation moves slowly forward to a point where the trap won't trigger and starts to render it harmless. Using disable device, according to RAW this is a secret DM roll. My Disable Device roll mod is +6, and I have lockpicks. Hopefully I get some assistance. :)
Rani carefully, checking for traps along the way, goes to the nearest stone doors and checks them for traps or locks as well. Traps along the way. Traps locks on the doors. "I'll check out these doors, see if they are safe."
Rani descends with the others. Bracing against the side of the hole as best he can Rani climbs down. Making it easily, Rani starts looking around for traps and any exit that isn't straight up. "Best take a look around." Traps and ways out.
Rani says, "All good points, leaving a guard is best if a way forward is found safely." Rani will aid in keeping those in jeopardy of falling from doing so.
Rani looks at Gabs rash descent. "Gabs, that room seems to be a deathtrap from what I can see. There is no visible way out except by this hole. The skeleton's legs are broken as if he fell a long way. We should make sure there is no trap that cuts the rope as someone climbs down. And yes there are people dastardly enough to cut a rope and enjoy the sound of someone screaming to their death. Oh Sorry Gabs, didn't mean to be so graphic." Rani continues as a side note. "The room has various images of a warrior in leather with a scarab shield. Our late host I presume." With a sense of urgency Rani adds his efforts to detecting any trap on or in the lengthy hole. Now looking for traps in the hole, especially something that might cut a rope.
Rani with his viewpoint shifted to the bottom of the well as though he were standing there, look around to whatever room or corridors are there.
Rani observes the rush to enter, tamping back his own excitement, he calmly moves forward to check the area around the hole and in. What's to see and hear. Rani says, "Gabs, maybe a few moments to put some knots into the rope would be helpful in allowing those less skilled in climbing an easier time coming down or quickly up if that is needed." Rani follows up by saying,"Let me take a quick look ahead anyway. Best to look before leaping." He kneels at the hole looking down Finding a good spot that looks to be a vantage point, he invokes his scryer power to place a point of vision at the bottom of the hole then looks around. Rani starts gesturing and intoning words of power, A glowing blue triangle appears on his forehead with a stylized closed eye in the center, it opens and a disturbingly real looking eye peers out from his head. Rani's viewpoint is now where the sensor he invoked is. He just looks around and ends the effect. What he sees from that vantage point? Sight only.
Rani steps back to watch the their handiwork as he rest. As he take a drink of water, the other foolishly hammer open the door and enter. Choking and spraying water, Rani's unable to speak for a moment. When his throat clears he takes a grip on his temper and mildly says, "Maybe it would be good to check for traps before opening and entering doors?" He cautiously walks up and checks for any traps and then looks over the wheel the others strain over. Look for tricks and traps on door, in room, in or on the wheel. Is the wheel in workable condition? Is it a fake or trap? If it's safe and workable how best to get it moving. Rani says, "Lets take our time over this if we wish, though I still feel we are but making an entrance for others, if they are daring or foolish enough." With crowbars for added length to allow more to apply strength and working together over several minutes make the move if and only if safe. Take twenty on STR for a 22 likely just to aid Teos.
Not wearing the full hot weather gear because the player did not think it was needed. Rani ignores Sefanit comments as not adding anything new. To Boaz he replies, "Far from me to incur the wrath of your god or yourself but I have many ways to focus and I am very prepared for the future; I could do more with manual labor only at the expense of my other talents and I made a choice not to do that. There are only so much time in a life, and like everyone else I do not have enough of it."
Rani sighs, puts away his book, "I see you're not to be dissuaded by logic. Very well, I was contributing in the most efficient way, to see effort for efforts sake is egalitarianism in effect not as an ideology. You suffer from the delusion you can make life fair. No one can. I just have accepted that." Rani then casts Endure Elements, strips to the waist, putting away those clothes but bringing out his scholars robes.
Walking over to the site he studies it for a moment then says, "Not bad Teos, but I think we can improve on your idea. Without a shovel it's more efficient to push than lift." Rani lays the cloth of his scholar's robe on the sand just to the side of the doorway. "Push the sand onto the cloth, then we all lift it after taking hold of every side, then dump it. Repeat as needed." Rani helps as well as anyone after that. Should save a bit of time.
Rani calmly replies, "I'm prepping a spell to call forth a servant to help in the digging, since it will be tireless it would do more good than a quarter hour of labor would. Afterward I'll be fresh while you are all tiring. I'll help then if you wish to be so egalitarian. It may not be fair but I think it will cut off significant time off our total." Rani will continue prepping unless further hassled. He will help instead of the earlier plan and pitch in, otherwise everything else will be the same.
Rani takes out his spellbook and prepares in his empty slot Unseen Servant. Rani seems not to help and he settles in the shade reading a large book. After about a quarter hour he stride forward and looks over what has been done. Picking a good efficient spot to dig. Rani start gesturing in the style of the Ancient Osirian magi. Words of their Ancient tongue mix with the words of creation that bring forth magic. Dust blows away in a giving a vague impression of feet on the ground that cannot be seen. Rani points to the ground at the spot he determined was best and says, "Dig" A tireless unseen force starts pushing the dirt away. Rani finds a shady spot to watch the proceedings without exposing himself to the sun.
Rani gives a snort at Neve's agreement with both Teos and Badhru. "To run like the wind and move like a mouse, both are right. True enough, though a pessimist might say that it's a choice between Hemlock and arsenic. As an optimist, today, I'll just point out that on our way back we choose one or the other. The muddled middle rarely works well." "Akentipi had a long life then good enough may his spirit rest in peace. And here that is not just a phrase." "I have brought very little though indeed I should have suggested a shovel."
"The mortar in the other doors is missing, possibly a way in. On the other hand maybe we don't want to spend the afternoon opening the way then leaving for the evening, so that gang of argent opportunists benefit from our labor." Examine the potential entrances, and good for breaking and entering.
While keeping an eye out Rani joins in the fun, just not too loudly. "What kinds of wizards can jump higher than a mountain? One beat later, " All of them, mountains don’t jump!
Letting Badhru deal with the fallout from his jest, Rani thinks over all the implications of being here. This is even more of a hazard than I thought. As the patrol moves on out of earshot, Rani comments, "That patrol is professional not just thrown together as I both hoped and feared. Their nervousness along with only three of them tells me that the Temple of Pharasma here is straining to provide adequate protection, even in daytime. Yes best we pick up our pace a bit, we'll only have an hour or two to survey our site before hurrying back." By sun and shadow Rani tries to estimate the time and the time left before sunset.
Rani puts up his hands in the sight of the watch, palms forward. If asked he provides his name and otherwise defers to Badhru, drawing as little attention as possible. Rani does study the nervous patrol leader and his squad, assessing how professional as set of guards they are. Experienced patrol or new at this?
Rani says, "Yes, if Boaz and his god Khepfri are willing to so favor us. Still we would be dependent on one unless others have access to that power and there are no guarantees of safety here for any of us." Rani looks a little sad as he says, "I've had to learn to depend on myself too often to be totally comfortable in that way. Still we all depend on each other." Ranis' eyebrow raises again at Gabs antics, Does he dare such an insult? But as usual Gabs is just joking however inappropriately. To Neve kindly, Rani says, "I've already rested on the charity of my companions, with very little coin myself. We cannot waste much time but time invested into care today could pay large tomorrow."
Rani replies to Badhru and Boaz, "No problem with that, I should have thought of that as well. We may need to be quicker back, following this path should make that easier. However I do feel ... this place is more ominous than I expected. I'm not seeing much animal life in this place maybe death is too strong here ... but then why do I feel I'm being watched?" After Neve's comment, "A good point also but I'm not sure I'd like to spend the night here unless needed. Our water supply is not limitless I only have about a day's worth, does anyone else have more?"
Rani says, "I agree as well. The day is half gone already, today is for scouting. After we learn the lay of the land we can better plan how we will explore the tomb." Rani go to where Badhru indicated but will try to be in front of Gabs and Sefanit. Rani too pays attention to his surroundings. He also looks for signs of food and water, indications of what creatures might live in here.
Rani puts away the tools in his pouch then looks at the obelisk. "That is an amazing sight and useful too."
"Yes the direction to go now is clear with that landmark." He sees the transformation of the man to hawk man and tries to figure out the spell used.
Rani's struggles to recall the spell or knowledge of the obelisk then gives up. Rani reacts to the touch of high class command in Neve's voice. "A thousand pardons Mistress Neve, I meant no disrespect." Rani is automatically deferential then seems to stiffen slightly. I don't have to do that anymore now, I'm my own master. At Sefanit revelation, Rani says, "I thought you a scholar, I didn't realize that you had a familiar as well. I guess some would be put off by such an unusual one." To Kushifalhikma, "Greetings, Kushifalhikma, I look forward to a new friend." At Gabs question, "Not really, I had a small term as a scout militiaman, not much good but Master Peren was patient and taught me a few things. I'm a diviner of a classical scholl. Oh, I was always, well almost always, the fastest runner in the 'hood. " His speech drops to a low born guttural at the end for a second.
Rani replies to Badhru, "Of course you can, we're all in this together." Rani seems grateful to Badhru, less so... Coolly to Gabs, "It can be turned to many ends at need. And from what I know of tomb building many have died in them. Some in the building of them but often slaves were buried with their masters alive."
I understand your point and mostly agree with it Neve. I cannot find the rule in Pathfinder: does it enforce the divine/Arcane divide for spell-activation magic items? I.E. is there a difference between an Arcane Cure Light Wounds wand vs a divine one? So say a bard or witch can make/use the former but not the latter. It's always up to how the DM wishes to play it of course. I don't think it would be unbalancing to allow any class use any Spell completion items that was on their list regardless of the source. However in some settings it would not fit. (Scarred Lands comes to mind.) Edit: Just looked at Detect Magic in Pathfinder carefully and I see it doesn't mention source at all, just identifies strength, school, and sometimes the individual caster (Greater version). I say that Neve's on the right track, but Rani's not good at sorting out divine info so say he has a view widely held i.e. there a difference by source, but it may not be true.
Rani appears discomfited by Bahru's statement, "Well, I ... kinda needed some of those tools ... for my research of course, so I do have some items that might work out." Rani pulls out a very worn thin leather case opening it for Badhru's inspection. Inside are a somewhat worn but well-maintained set of rods, punches, awls, wenches,and skeleton keys, well packed.
Rani's statements are fairly obviously a bit off, he seems very familiar with the well-used tools.
Rani and Badhru exchange a glance, Rani saying, "I'm sure Master Badhru has some experience in that area, I can help by keeping a look out for magical traps. So friend Teos in lead, Master Badhru and I folowing, hmm rear guard could be an issue, Scholar Sefanit in the center, Gabs you seem more of a skirmisher than trooper." Rani's telling the truth again but not all of it, to those you are skilled at picking up such things. Rani turns to Neve, "Mistress Neve you are armed as a warrior but wield some arts, not having seen your workings, I am not sure of which tradition or blood, is it of the gods or the more worldly mysteries? In any event are you amenable to being the rear guard?"
The crowding and swift flow bothers Rani. "This crowding is difficult we should win free of it as soon as possible." Rani attempts to find the way to their assign area by a path with least crowding. See a path. Where we are going. Where going and how people are acting. How architecture and Osirian building styles effects choice of a good path. "Master Badru, this way seems a good path, but I not sure of the exact placement of our site, if you think that's the best direction, we'll go that way."
Earlier Rani says to Gab, "All equipment will be useful soon enough, I'm sure, thanks for bringing it." Now Rani starts paying a bit closer attention to Neve. Thinking over her earlier behavior and this instance, Rani thinks, That error seems unlike her, I wonder ... it seems she is hiding something about herself but I'm sure she is not from beggars and thieves like me. "Yes, let's see what Akhentepi, may the All-Seeing watch over his spirit, has to offer us. But I'd slow the pace a bit, it's not going to get cooler and I hate to see you race into the dens of the undead, Gabs. The tomb has waited for thousands of years, it can wait one more hour." He warning is a little robbed of force though as his excitement is clearly rising as well.
Rani becomes very interested as events start to move quickly. On being informed of where they are to being their exploration he starts to think about that but his attention is swiftly drawn to the map that they are shown, since he see others being shooed away he notes that their time is limited and tries to memorize what he sees.
Apply to INT roll +4 or K:Geography or K:Local +8 as needed. He is a bit taken aback by just how little time they get to see the location as they are hustled away. "Anyone else see where we go and things are? I think I got a bit." I'll think later on the history try to remember where everything is. Before and after he speaks, Rani is quietly reciting memory aids in Ancient Osirion.
Rani thinks well of each question asked still leaving them to others. Well it appears that we will be thought of as fools, that may work to our advantage in the future but also inspire others to mess with us. Best to wait and see. Rani simply maintains a watchful eye for now.
Rani silently signs the document. At this point best to be quiet and bore the priestly bureaucrat. He nods to Teos to give the needed information to the busy priestess. Many possible questions to ask but none of special import so I'll leave it to the better prepared to ask.
Rani says, "I'll certainly support Master Badhru, his range of experience will be of benefit I'm sure. For the us to make decisions as a whole, when there is time, that is good, when there is not, well either we act then as a mob or as one. We have no time to learn to work together before we will be tested so each of us will have to depend on all of us at moments of crisis. May they be few." Rani grows less interested in the by-play and is looking for those outside the group that are paying attention to them.
With the picking up of the discussion for leadership, Rani continues, "Cool dude, don't think I've ever been called that but I'll take it. And no one is more aware of the fact I'm not the best person to influence others. For now at least it may be mostly a formality but it may soon come to be more than that." Rani still looks around but more at the crowds than the other participants. Particularly he looks for those that are taking more than a casual interest in them.
To Boaz, "Fair enough, far from me to step between a god's will and a man, but the phrase 'a worker is worthy of his hire' comes to mind. But I welcome your aid." Rani speculates, "It appears the Scorching Sands leader may know something or believes she does, of paramount importance that lies within that place. I admit to being curious but have no desire for unnecessary conflict. We should take what we can get and make the best of it." Rani looks puzzled at the lack of response to his desire for the issue of leadership to be worked out but lets it go for now.
Rani listens to the odd cleric as he asks for entry to the group. "As neither do I. However I would like to know your expectations of our group. What can we do for you?" "A most apt point Master Badhru, perhaps we should select someone to speak on our behalf for these occasions. Teos's friend is our sponsor, you have proven insightful on a number of matters and Neve has a silver tongue ..." Rani breaks off and turns to Neve, "Wait you mentioned the abilty to provide light, I thought you a warrior, have you some command of the otherworld arts?" Rani is having a bit of cognitive dissidence.
Rani looks slightly nettled but calmly replies to Badhru, "Greeting of the Sun and the All-Seeing upon you Badhru and yes some interesting coincidences do happen from time to time. Perhaps some of those looking on those about to enter the Necropolis are former subjects of a previous hunt of yours. I'm thinking that one over there is dreaming already of spending what he will steal from the groups." Rani quietly indicates some shady looking individual that could be construed as casing the groups waiting. (Pretty sure there will be a few.) Still to those paying attention the by-play seems to have a deeper meaning.
Rani responds to Boaz's greeting, "Hail, Master Boaz, may your god Kreppi bless your labors and may the All-Seeing guide your path. Watching the eager to start their dreams, or find their fate?" Hmm, Boaz seems a bit attached I wonder ... no watching all these hopeful people and the vultures watching them is making me too suspicious. Everyone has an angle but it doesn't have to be bad. Thoughts briefly play out over Rani's face, a bit guarded then resolved. "I don't think so, except those we saw on the trip here, Gabradon."
Rani's raises an eyebrow at Gab's apparent confusion. He replies, "Surely you jest, a stone weight is a common measure in most lands, usually 20 pounds, though there is some local differences. But you're from a far land, mayhap it is not used there, so many local customs." Rani says to Sefanit, "That is a good idea, I hadn't thought of that but we can't haul twenty ton blocks of stone out of there. A sled or small cart would be useful too, but again for later. Perhaps in a few weeks assuming the price of such doesn't grow hugely here."
Rani sees the results of Sefanit's shopping. He says to all present,"Excellent choices, Most Learned Sefanit. If our funds were more lavish, I'd have more suggestions but they are way too expensive save one. I would consider adding more water to our load and a few days of food for each. I do have a few coins left but only good for a couple of days in this expensive town." Rani adds, "I too can carry more, I prefer to remain light on my feet do to lack of armor but, I can certainly carry half a stone or more as needed. Or I could be the pack mule that hauls our massive fortune that we will be bringing back." Rani smiles to show that he is not that serious about the fortune, except that he kinda is to the perceptive.
@ DM Chubbleston Ouch. Sorry I did not update my character equipment in my character sheet as I did in my character generation. I started with 70 gold and show much less than this on my sheet since things at the time still were in flux. I did mention this stuff in the discussion session much earlier. I guess it thought we be in the field earlier. So I throw myself on the mercy of the DM. This is what I had for the past month on the generator that I foolishly didn't update on my character sheet. It's not much different, just the thieves' tools and a few coins. (Rani's broke not destitute.) This list shows what should have been there all along. EQUIPMENT
Quarterstaff Equipped 1 4 / 0
Scroll Case Backpack,
Parchment (Sheet) Backpack,
1 Flint and Steel, 1 Thieves' Tools, 5 Coin (Gold Piece), 8 Coin (Silver Piece), 8 Coin (Copper Piece)
TOTAL WEIGHT CARRIED/VALUE 36.42 lbs. 79.1gp
Awaiting your approval or rejection. Thanks.
Since nothing of importance happens Rani wakes Badhru after several hours, and goes to bed. If uninterrupted in his sleep, he rises in the morning. He does his morning prayers, and mediation rituals. For today he leaves his spells in wilderness selection except he leaves his slot he usually uses for comprehend languages open, to be filled later. Rani files out in order to see about breakfast. Seeing Neve he greets her, "Good morning and blessings of the dawn upon you, I trust you slept well?" Rani continues heading for whatever refreshments are offered.
Could be Gab. The problem with most drugs as it's not that expensive to start. Then they take everything from you. (Family experience, sadly).
Rani concedes the likelihood he is dealing with a simple con here. "Ah, true, Gabradon. Peddler! Push your wares with the rich and stupid. You find neither here." Rani is his usual charming self with the peddler.
Rani fixes the ridiculous peddler with a cold stare. "Why are you here? Wares of that price are for nobles or at least notables. This place is not where such is like to be found. What do you really want?" Rani is not happy, putting his hand on his staff prepared to guard himself. Is this a setup? What is happening here?
Rani says good night to each of his new friends as the go to bed. He will keep watch for a few hours then wake Badhru for his shift. To Teos he says ,"Let's hope that it is so, but there are many strangers in the town now and I am sure that some of them are ill-intentioned. Sleep well, friend, and may the gods watch over you." Rani will make sure he knows which room each party member is in.
Rani says, "Can't be too cautious. I'll take first watch and wake Badhru in a few hours. Who will take the last watch?" Seems too trusting of a bunch, at least Badru knows something of the chances that thieves abound here. Rani turns down the purveyor of drugs. "I'll need a clear head, so no thank you."
Rani sees the sometimes concealed but still glum looks on his new companions as they sit drinking listlessly. He comes up to the group with animation saying. "I gather events didn't go as well as planned. However do to Teos' connections a Master Elki will vouch for us. No money involved, it seems he is staking his reputation for our good behavior. We promised not to disappoint him." He sits down and in a much quieter voice continues, "We should take care, Teos carries the paper that authorizes the Scarlet Scorpions entry. With the number of desperate but bold people about we need to take care. We need to take shifts tonight. At least one of us and mayhap two should be awake at all times. Rest would be good but one theft and we are undone." Rani looks around at the inn's other clientele, assessing them for their danger.
Sorry my computer's issue has cropped up again, video system issues, I can only log on in safe mode which is odd. May be a bit spotty in posting, of course this happens on the holiday weekend. Computers are so inconsiderate. :)
Rani bows to their new patron and says, "Thank you, we shall not disappoint you." After making their departure, he talks with Teos, "Well that went surprisingly well, I wonder how the others are doing? We should see about them, I suppose at your friend's fine establishment."
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