Seben-en-Ra's page

Seben quickly hands Sabu the 50 gp. She still feels pretty bad for suggesting Diorio act as our fishing bait.

"Alright," she says. "As soon as the others get back, let's get back to it."

"Should we split up to cover more ground? I want to buy a few items ... including something to help against other venomous foes."

.

She smiles at Diorio.

"Let's all meet back here--as soon as we can."

Assuming she is out of sight of prying eyes, Seben transforms her clothing into the attire of a simple devotee of Pharasma. Nothing over the top to suggest she is a cleric or zealot, just a fan, something in line with the general population. . . Something that covers her "Never Split the Party" tattoo.

Man, she needs a skill point in Knowledge (Religion).

Wherever we got the free healing last time. I gave that place a 5-Star review.

She does!

As the Bask prepares to exit the necropolis, Seben remains ill at ease.

She has no evidence of any kind, but her thoughts keep drifting back to Hypaxes and the verbal spar she had with Indus back at the Tooth and Hookah.

The Scorched Hand well know the value of the ancient treasure in the necropolis. If they can deter the other adventurers from signing up, they can keep it all to themselves. . .

Seben quietly collects the javelin. She plans to store it at the Tooth and Hookah. Just maybe she'll have an opportunity one day to give it back. But if we're only going to the temple, she eventually dump it. She doesn't want the encumbrance while we're exploring the necropolis.

Seben races next to Indus, but then realizes she has learned from experience there are others better qualified for the task of field medic.

Instead she knocks an arrow and scans both ends of the ally for any sign of follow-up to this attack, ready to fire. Is this the prelude to an ambush? She looks to the alley's windows and rooftops as well.

I think Perception is done by the GM, right?

Her scan includes taking note of any tracks of footprints, leading to or away from the trap's mechanism.

When she can spare a glance, she also eyes the javelin. Does it look like an ancient weapon? Such that this might be a forgotten snare from long ago? Or is it a recent scheme, such as the work of a rival adventuring band?

(I'm not sure which skill check is best for carbon dating an artifact...)

She also casts a narrowed eye at the Sacred Ibis who was tasked with scouting ahead. The white bird just cocks his head as though to shrug. Obviously he wasn't going to spot a trip wire from so high up in the air.

Is Luek out of spell slots and/or channels? If so, Seben can resort to wand charges. Or, I suppose we're pretty close to the temple. We get free healing there, right? (with coupon?)

Edit! Nevermind! Sobek has got this.

According to my union rep, the advantage of the 15-minute work day is that we also get our spells and once per day powers re-set to maximize our efficacy for the next encounter.

But I won't push my luck. I'd be happy to settle for getting Diorio healed up and put in some overtime back at the Pentheru compound in the afternoon. Gotta throw management a bone once in a while.

On the way back, Seben will have the Sacred Ibis take high into the sky and scout the path ahead like a military drone while the party exits through the necropolis. He'll once again keep an eye out for any possible ambushes or other dangers from high above. Seben transfers his Animal Focus to "Hawk" to increase his Perception to +12 for this purpose.

Seben will also morph her clothing into "guardswoman", but be sure to drop that effect when we approach the gates on the way out.

"I guess resting in there is a bad idea, then."

Yeah, I was kinda thinking garden shed. That sounds like it might actually be the main event.

To my mind, I'd be perfectly happy withdrawing from the necropolis altogether and coming back tomorrow along the lines of what Jace described. We'd have to bypass the haunt, but that should be doable.

My sense is the Bask is a bit more aggressive than that though and would like to get things going - and, in theory, we are competing against other adventuring groups. How about we next scout see what's on the east side of the larger building? Perhaps the proverbial garden shed is over there?

Let's advance and search the small building to the north on the west end of the compound. Assuming it's serviceable we could rest there for the night. If you prefer to search the un-scouted east side of compound first, I'm ok with that.

"Was that a... swimming pool?"

Assuming no party hug,

cure light wounds on the Sacred Ibis from actual spells: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

cure light wounds on the Sacred Ibis from a wand charge: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Poor resource management as usual, but Seben is pretty low on spells and abilities etc. I'd be fine to pull back and rest. We probably wouldn't want to camp next to the haunt, and we'd have to get past it again. But I'm not sure there's actual time pressure on us right now and a low Dex Diorio hurts the Brigade a fair bit.

Maybe if we explore the garden and exterior we could find a reasonable spot to rest?

Alright! Great save on that potion. Who needs a crappy Heal check!

If there's a channel energy going out to heal the party, the Sacred Ibis intends to be within range to get the benefit of that along with Diorio. If not, or we're saving channels--perhaps for a certain haunt with an issue with doors--then Seben will cast her CLW on the Sacred Ibis and then expend CLW wand charges until he's at full. But I'm waiting to see how much is needed.

Diorio needs to make a new DC 17 Fort save on his next turn. A DC 17 heal check can grant him +4 bonus to the save...

.

Attempted Heal check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Ummm, it's a moot point, Seben is useless, either way.

Seben dashes over to help Diorio but then freezes in horror when she sees the sight of his wound.

Thank you, Dr. En-Ra.

I think technically the bless failed to cast. But a quick guidance from Seben or Sobek will make that a distinction without a difference. . .

(Which reminds me to thank Sobek for his guidance for Seben, even if she never had to actually use it thanks to Lueck's heroics.)

And I'm totally not just sucking up to Lueck because I want him to use a channel or two on Diorio and the Sacred Ibis. Party hug for the injured?

Great battle guys!

Great! In hindsight, hardly worth it with the Tumble boys taking care of business on that end. But maybe Lueck can benefit.

Gah!

Yeah, even with fighting defensively and the Bolster Companion skirmisher trick the math still left a 40% chance of getting hit - not much of an AC on that bird. Needed the bug to roll 1 point lower. Hard to do nothing, but I will learn patience from this.

Assuming, you will still permit Seben's immediate action, the second-half of the Bolster Companion will kick in and reduce the damage to half, or 9 points of damage. That puts our Sacred Ibis at 1 hp., better than -7 but still not good. Could be worse if he gets attacked at the end of the round.

Dex poison! That's the worst for us!

A scream of empathy rips from Seben's throat as she witnesses brave Diorio get struck in the leg by oversized vermin (yet again). Quickly she levels her bow, aiming for what she hopes will be the creature's sensory organs.

Attempted shot with mwk longbow with gravity bow, Animal Focus (Tiger) and Precise Shot: 1d20 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 22

Possible damage from gravitized arrow: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 3) + 1 = 5

That is a nasty bite damage! Bad time for the dice to go cold. Let's try this again.

"C'mon... c'mon..."

Seben ignores the disdain of her avian mentor and notches another arrow. The beast makes the broad side of a barn look small. She just needs to find an angle to reach that softer underbelly where her arrow can actually pierce it.

Attempted shot with mwk longbow with gravity bow, Animal Focus (Tiger) and Precise Shot: 1d20 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 24

Possible damage from gravitized arrow: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 3) + 1 = 6

You are a class act, Lueck.

Seben tries to slow down and stop her heart from racing. She traces a bead on the beast, trying not to be distracted by the fact that the horror is coming ever closer.

She breathes. . .

Stills. . .

And releases. The shaft flies from her bow.

Attempted shot with mwk longbow with gravity bow, Animal Focus (Tiger) and Precise Shot: 1d20 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 8

Possible damage from gravitized arrow: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (3, 4) + 1 = 8

And skitters as it bounces off the ground.

Yeeeeehaw!

"By the gods! It's huge!" Seben's eyes peel wide as the head of the beast emerges, with coil after coil of segmented body. "I was so wrong. This was a totally bad idea!"

Attempted shot with mwk longbow with gravity bow, Animal Focus (Tiger) and Precise Shot: 1d20 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 21

Possible damage from gravitized arrow: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 1) + 1 = 7

There's a savage twang as the shaft streaks through the air...

Pun intended!

Before I forget, props to Sobek for his plan to try to fix the gate. T'was a smart idea.

As always, correct me if I'm wrong, but this is a review of "the Plan":

Indus and Sobekhotep move in first to sweep the courtyard for (more) traps. Diorio and Seben follow behind.

Meanwhile, Lueck (hidden on the wall) and the Sacred Ibis are keeping tabs on the bug, in case the action breaks out early.

Once we're in position, Seben casts gravity bow and team "missile" readies actions to fire at the bug as soon as it comes over the lip.

Diorio then starts things off by moving into the front and starts hollering, taking on the role of the distraction and defensive anchor.

Once the bug appears over the lip, readied actions go off.

Assuming we get charged, Diorio will have his defensive actions and Lueck will ambush from his elevated position.

Then the plan goes to all heck and we go back to reacting based on what seems smart at the time.

Yeah, assuming Luek is on board.

The poor man's backup is for the CLW wand wielders to give it a try. If I'm right, the problem with that is you need to make a to hit roll, so channeling is probably better - plus it's a renewable resource, like solar.

"Argh! Why can't the dead just stay dead?"

(Irony much, Seben?)

We might need Lueck's expertise for this one!

Seben goes back to readying an action to fire her bow if a giant bug comes over the wall to eat us.

At the risk of being Captain Obvious, I'm going to guess this place was overrun during the plague and this is some kind of a psychic echo of that tragedy.

Not gonna be super effective at range, but Indus is up for it.

.

I'd like to get as many free shots off at range as possible, but I take your point, we'll also lose actions swapping weapons to melee.

2. Once everyone are in position, you open fire. I should note that the centipede is currently lounging at the bottom of an empty pool, so you can't actually get a line of fire until it climbs our (unless you're on the wall), but you can ready an action to shoot once you attract it's attention.

Ah! That makes sense, I thought the pool was filled in with sand. Yeah, ready an action to fire as soon as it's head pops up then. I guess what that means is the plan kicks off with Diorio hooting and hollering.

But just before he does, Sebven will cast gravity bow using a wand charge, and then get that readied action going, meaning she will lose at 2 rounds of the spell. More if the creature takes it's time coming up to investigate.

Sign off! (uses pen with disappearing ink. . .)

Several interesting concepts of a plan on the table. What's it going to be - Tactical Princess Special or Luuuuuueck Jenkins!!?

We can do both!

Lueck can stand by Diorio, or even climb up a nearby wall and leap off of it and skewer the beast on the way down. It would be a fine cinematic. And I'll feel less guilty leaving Diorio all alone in front.

In the interest of moving things forward I've moved the pieces on the map to communicate the idea. People should feel free to reposition themselves as they like. (And Jace can reposition everyone, of course, if we don't actually make it there. . .)

This is sort of how I envisioned it - actually it's very little like I envisioned it, I wanted to hit the creature from all sides in a cross-fire of sniper shots, but I now worry that will catch one of us all alone with too little support.

Jace, the idea is we plan out where we're going to be and then sneak into position. Like Diorio suggests, if undetected, we fire on the
creature before Diorio starts shouting.

P.S. And before we step into the courtyard, Indus and Sobek, our professional spotters, might make scan the place to make sure we're not rushing into a trap of some kind.

I could be the "bait at the gate" if everyone thinks that's a good idea.

.

Maybe, if he can't run away, Diorio could use the total defense action, or even some fancy swashbuckler defensive action to get as high an AC as possible. Or save his panache, I don't know.

As soon as the beast rushes out the gate, maybe anyone who wants to melee could burst out from behind the wall for an ambush with readied actions.

Those who think we should stay as far away from the poisonous maw as possible will take distant positions and fire from range, also with readied actions.

And this all falls apart if the beast just slithers over the wall and comes at us at a totally different direction . . . hopefully the Sacred Ibis or maybe even Luek can alert us if this is about to happen.

Maybe Phrip could show us where on the map he wants Diorio to be when he starts yelling and calling attention to himself and then everyone else could pick where they would like to be?

Open to revisions here!

Rats on the gates. That might have been handy.

OK, so what do people like as the plan?

Here's the best I could come up with, but I am way open to a better one.

We completely spread out and shoot at the creature from a bunch of different sides and angles from atop the walls.

Then when it inevitably charges one of us, that unlucky winner has the job of fleeing while the rest of us continue to fire. (I suppose you could stand and fight if you're tanky and bold).

Arguably, the plan improves slightly if there's one of us who doesn't use a ranged weapon. That person could be the designated bait. They holler and try to get the beast to charge. Using a readied action to "run" (AKA flee) it should be possible to outpace the thing unless it's Speed is really insane - it was described as fast.

A third variation is we instead use a summoned monster/nature's ally as the bait. Seben can do that, but it only lasts two rounds.

Or we just Leroy Jenkins the thing. . .

While you're still planning, I'd like to point out that both the gate into the estate and the inner gate leading to the garden is currently partially open.

. . . and that is why we're planning extra quiet-like. . .

Thanks! Is the garden gate, the gate to the West (left)? Or the East (right)?

[Edit - I think it's West, if I follow the above.]

Better question then. Are the gates solid doors of bronze that block line of sight? or are the gates like bronze bars that one could say, shoot through? And could the gates be closed shut?

"Sounds like a nasty beast! I certainly do not want to get stung again. I do have one acid flask if you think it might come in handy."

.

However, I've got a feeling that won't be enough to take a Huge-sized beast out and we might be better off saving the flasks for swarms or multiple target scenarios. But I am sorely tempted, just for the anecdote.

Indus starts looking through his backpack, then gives up with a sigh. "I was sure I had packed some antitoxin, but alas. Anyone got any in case we need it?"

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According to the excellent spreadsheet Luke has prepared, Lueck now has the potion of neutralize poison from our prior expedition. But I guess that's more of an after-the-fact thing.

Definitely open to ideas here. We could set a bunch of readied actions with missile weapons and bait it over the wall, or through the gates. Ideally, if initiative goes well we could get a few extra shots and take it down before it manages close, or at least soften it up. Or we could try to ambush it from range. It sounds like we should expect it to close the gap really fast though and I don't think the wall is much of an obstacle for the beast.

Seben wants to cast gravity bow using a charge from her wand, but will hold off until she thinks its right before combat. For now she stays focused on a readied action in case the creature suddenly charges while we're coordinating on a plan.

Seben keeps her voice low, almost to a whisper. "I'd guess it climbed the wall to get in there, and so it can probably climb the walls to get out."

She puts her spear away and gets her bow out, knocking an arrow. She steps back from the wall and readies an action to fire at any bug that might pop up over the top.

Wishing I'd sprung for alchemist fire. Would have been ideal to use the Sacred Ibis to bombard the bug from orbit.

How about a Knowledge (Nature) check to see what Seben knows about giant centipedes that have double tails that whisk lazily from side to side?

Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Ugh, can anybody aid that, maybe?

Indus notices Seben's quiet mood and leans in. "Are you okay, Princess?" he asks in a low but cheerful tone to try to lift her spirits.

.

Holy crap, does he know?

No wait. He's just messing with me. Cause I wore that ridiculous get up the other night at the Tooth and Hookah. Or maybe that's his way of saying I can't handle what's coming next.

Or he's a seer and sees right through my lies, or. . .

Or maybe it's a compliment?

"Ha! Princess of dirt, maybe. I'm, uh, fine. Let's just get this over with. Something tells me we might soon be longing for the good old days of Ahkentepi." She taps the but of the spear she 'borrowed' from the general's tomb and decides to use it as a walking stick for the trip to the necropolis.

Stepping forward, Seben gloomily draws inwards into herself as she tries to recount all of her prior conversations with Indus.

I think so! But it's up to Phrip. If I have it right, the sword was 2,000 gp. Minus 500 for the doggie discount leaves 1,500 gp. Seben has 1,200 available to loan to Diorio, if he wants it, but he or someone else would have to come up with the remaining 300 gp. Anyways, I think he was signaling with his last post that he's on board.

Seben stays quiet trying to mask her disappointment in the selection. She is doubtful that this "Pentheru the Younger" will produce any meaningful leads on Hakotep. But her only choice is to grind through it to hope the Bask will get another selection from Sebti.

Plague of Madness, how bad can it be. . .?

Once we enter the necropolis, Seben uses her sleeves of many garments to duplicate the uniform of a standard Wati guardsman - or even better, a low-ranking officer, if she knows what that looks like. She wants to make it look like the Bask is being escorted on official business to perhaps deter anyone interested in trying to waylay the party. She waits though until they are beyond the necropolis gates, no need to get arrested for impersonation. . .

Now, who wants to play Toothy's Tasty Treats?

When Farhaan calls for volunteers, Seben slowly raises her hand, looking apprehensive.

Seben's in!

Thus far, Toothy's ignored her and there's no reason to expect that to change, but an activity is just Seben needs to take her mind off of things.

In addition to Animal Handling +4, Seben also has Wild Empathy +2 as a class ability.

Do I take the higher one, or can I use that as an excuse to make two checks? I.e. She uses her knowledge of how to work with animals, but also her inherent connection to the creatures of the world.

Seben's plan is that, when Farhaan (or whoever) starts handing out the chunks of meat, she will activate her Animal Focus (wolf) and briefly gain the scent ability. She will use her newfound sense to help her identify which chunk of meat would appear the tastiest and most appealing to any creature which uses its sense of smell. If necessary, She will use her Knowledge (Nature) +5 to help her correlate that. Not all meat hunks are created equal!

He turned it into a Pez Dispenser! Cool pic!

When Farhaan makes his announcement, Seben lets out a 'whoop' and a cheer.

(I am assuming so does the crowd at the mention of free booze, but if not, we'll just add that to Seben's faux pas list as she's suddenly left cheering by herself. . .)

---
When Seben next chances to talk to Indus or Diorio she will mention the Plovers as a possible lead on a dog breeder. But really, that's my thinly veiled excuse to make an Aid Another attempt on Diplomacy (Gather Information).

Diplomacy Check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Seben's eyes sparkle with delight as Indus hurls sarcastic shade at Hypaxes.

Then she mouths silently to Lueck and the others at the Bask table,"They know each other!?"

"Ah, Ionaeus...you and your band of assorted misfits all managed to make it out it back alive, I see. How...fortunate." she purrs at Indus. Then she notices Sobekhotep and the symbol of Nethys among his many holy tokens and inclines her head in his direction. "I must admit, I'm surprised to find a fellow worshiper of the All-Seing Eye as a member of such a group as this. Please, feel free to join us for a drink. Surely, you must be in dire need of intelligent conversation."

Seben takes a sip of the fine wine curated by Farhaan. She doesn't even look up at Hypaxes, but instead keeps chatting with Luek, though perhaps a bit more loudly than she should.

"You even run into someone for the first time and just know instantly that you're going to get along famously?"

She gives a wicked grin. "This is not one of those times..."
-----
I probably shouldn't be taking the Scorched Hand's bait here. But Seben is very protective of the Brigade.

And while we're at it, a Sense Motive check on Falto:

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

If there's time, Seben will also share her comments on Marn's sword for sale with Sobek. I.e. Aid Another attempt.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Seben doesn't have Knowledge (Local) but I wonder if the Plovers could later help us help Marn find his Dog Breeder?

Seben hides up in her room, looking out the balcony at the gigantic desert moon—getting in that quality brooding. She is simultaneously both jealous and protective of the living below, all unaware of the fate that inevitably awaits them.

Finally, she steels herself, determined to do right by Farhaan. She exits the room to join the raucous party below.

As she heads down the stairs, her tattered cloak morphs away. Impossibly, it is replaced with attire more fit for a celebration. Her magic clothes, however, must be a tad over eager in their effort to impress their new master. They clearly overdo it: Seben is clothed in the highest of fashion from Sothis: sparkling jewels emulating the regal excess of Osiriani nobility; a linen gown as white as the snow of Irrisen; and a ceremonial collar with three layers made from the scales of a giant snapping turtle, all inlaid with a design of lapis lazuli. Her hair is imprisoned in a golden circlet with a single jewel of matching turquoise.

Although she is embarrassed to have made a faux-pas before she even makes it down the stairs, Seben realizes it’s too late to turn back now. She sucks in a deep breath and pushes forward into the smoke of the tavern.
-----
Seben casts guidance before descending the stairs, just in case a skill check such as Diplomacy or Perception are required…

Seben’s TTD list includes:

- Feed Toothy! Hopefully enough time has passed that she can retry that Animal Empathy check again. That creature's gonna like her dang nabbit!

- She wants to talk to Layla and Amina (the two serving girls) – good to be polite to the hosts. Maybe even that Farhaan guy too…

- Am I right the Scorched Hand is not here? I know they weren’t here initially, but did they arrive later on? If not, try to subtly find out from Farhaan if they were invited.

- If opportunity permits, she will talk to the Sand Scorpions. They seem nice and sullen.

- If there are any games of skill or chance going on Seben will watch them and see if she might have an opportunity to participate.

- Ultimately though she wants to join Luek at ‘The Bask Table’, she’s got to show her team loyalty here.

- On that note, assuming the party appraisers are satisfied that the Dog Soldier’s magic rapier is as desirable as I think it is, we want to lock that sale up. If it helps Seben will dip into her leftover savings to contribute in order to ensure Diorio gets that. She hasn’t actually brought her money with her though, that’s locked upstairs in her room, so a special trip would be required.

- As for tomorrow, she will use the extra time to also buy that blunt melee weapon and the silver weapon blanche, enough for 10 arrows.

Oh Geeze - Did Emo Seben just shut down the celebration? I was just trying to keep her in character. She's got issues with humanity and happiness, being dead and all. Her therapist says she's making progress. You guys party away.

LOL, Luek hanging out in a bucket!

The next morning... Seben goes shopping. She brings her Mastercard.

There are also specific merchants at the Tooth and Hookah we're able to interact with: Jabari, Zara and Nadir. I got a feeling we want to save some nuggets for those guys.

"Yes, yes of course," answers Seben with another lie. "A feat sounds wonderful. Thank you."

Seben wonders if she might instead stick her head inside the maw of the Tooth and Hookah's famous crocodile.

Makin her excuses, she skulks upstairs to her temporary room, hoping to brainstorm better excuses to avoid the feast.

Having spent the last day in failure she hardly wants to celebrate in a crowd of the living.

I searched that blasted tomb from top to bottom, almost got some good people killed in the process... and all I have to show for it is more failed arrow shots.

Once secreted in her room, Seben crashes on the bed, trying to gameplan if she should stick it out for one more tomb, or if she should be reasonable. It wasn't too late to disappear in the middle of the night. None would find her, if they cared to look. From there she could re-think her plan.

Those pants belong in a museum!

Seben stays uncomfortably quiet during the recital and sips the refreshments, still glad to be out of the tomb.

The Sacred Ibis is not with her, glad to have the chance to stretch its wings amongst the sky once more.

Cool trap!

Sorry for any confusion - Seben's not actually poking around looking for loot. I was just dutifully advancing her backstory.

Her whole reason for signing up is because she mistakenly believes she will find clues as to Hakotep's location so she can complete her destiny curse. Clues which, of course, turns out to not be here. I appreciate there's nothing more to be found and have no issues with the treasure. I'm sure it was all pre-calculated on a spreadsheet to balance wealth-by-level with precision.

P.S. Cool cobra image! I suppose we could give that to Farhaan.

P.P.S. Seben is going to remember to collect her cloak off her Ahkentepi mirror - but she'll make sure her back is turned when she does so.

Yay! Nicely done guys!

Seben scours the tomb from top to bottom. She tries to balance being respectful of the dead with being thorough.

So what was the awesome trap in the false chamber that Indus jammed? Can we know?

Seben is going to pick up the severed head of the iron cobra. That's just too cool not to put on the mantle or have hanging off of a belt. But if Indus wants to call dibs, he's welcome to it.