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his intent to bash in more heads clear Utnapishtim opens his mouth to greet Arkus, and discuss what may await the party in the area below. Before any words can escape him, however, he remembers his chat with Zolarus. Rather than chat, Utnapishtim decides to respect his adventuring companion's mood. He offers Arkus a simple nod, steps to one side, and readies himself to enter the tunnel.
Doing his best to keep a neutral face,
Utnapishtim considers what he knows and/or has been told about the tunnels.
OK. Added.
At the end of the first day the group sets up a camp, tired and probably somewhat foot sore. Utnapishtim regrets carrying so much. But what would he do without his books and parchment? (He's only carrying 15.5 lbs, but he's medium encumbered at anything over 23 lbs.) "E... E... Ebonfeather?" He stammers, realizing that he's never actually slept outdoors before. "D... D... Does this seem like a safe place to rest?"
"How about you? Why do you want to join the Society?" "I am Utnapishtim ibn Atrahasis ibn Ahmad ibn Faldan ibn Rasid ibn Hamad of Shuruppak. I am honored to meet you all. "I was born and raised in Varisia near Magnimar--though my parents were of Osirian and Qadiran origin. I was brought up on grand tales of travel, heroism, and derring-do. "I've since learned that adventure and excitement comes at a cost. Too often, lives may be negatively impacted as 'collateral damage.' After some prolonged discussions with my Sarenite brethren in Absalom (I'm a Desnan, myself) I decided to work for good from within the Pathfinder Society." "Good thinking. There are some swarms of insects out there. I think they would happily eat the flesh off my bones if they could. Alchemists fire is great for dispersing them. A very good idea for a couple of you to carry some." Utnapishtim pipes up in an uncertain, doubtful voice, "I'm afraid my frail frame couldn't carry too much more. I'll rely on my burning hands (and possibly a hasty retreat) to deal with swarms." He fidgets, with obvious discomfort. "Any questions?" "In your absence, Janira, what are our priorities if things should take a turn for the worse?" Utnapishtim scribbles into a journal.
I'm not new to the Confirmation or PFS. I've played and run it several times. I am new to play by post.
Also, if you could let me know if you have played before, that would be helpful, as this scenario has a variety of options that allow it to work...differently.. with players who are a little more experienced. I've both played and run this scenario before, multiple times. But I've never played PFS by post before.
Two spots open. I'm happy to go with four, (still waiting on Bilbo's actual character)if there are not any further takers before Bilbo is ready. I'll throw my hat in the ring. Utnapishtim is a 1st level Wizard. Conjuration school. Character info is posted in my profile. Ready to go!
"I'm afraid my frail frame couldn't carry something so challenging as a lantern, Zantus." Utnapishtim offers with a chagrined, sad look. "But I have confidence that my magic can overcome mundane darkness."
While Zolarus is deliverying flowers and Zantus is pondering the implications of Lamashtu's influence, Utnapishtim offers a prayer to Desna, and prepares his spells for the day.
Utnapishtim is abashed at the thought of being called a "Professor." He's still aglow with hero worship... "Ah! Yes. Well met, Zolarus! Of course I've heard of you. I follow the tales of your exploits eagerly! Utnapishtim squints at the picture. "Now Let me see here..." He blushes 7 shades of red, each deeper than the last... "Oh. Oh, my!!!" He stammers...
"That... That... That... is a depiction of a succubus!"
He considers a moment... "But the rest of this text..."
"...this reference to Lamashtu..." Utnapishtim grows pale at the thought of the Mother of Monsters. "...I... I, just done know!" He says in obvious denial.
Perception: Utnapishtim notices the twitch, and his head tilts slightly to one side. Sense Motive: Perhaps naively oblivious, but completely unafraid, Utnapishtim approaches Arkus and offers: "Fasciculation, or 'muscle twitch', is a small, local, involuntary muscle contraction and relaxation which may be visible under the skin. They arise as a result of spontaneous depolarization of a lower motor neuron leading to the synchronous contraction of all the skeletal muscle fibers within a single motor unit. An example of 'normal' spontaneous depolarization is the constant contractions of cardiac muscle, causing the heart to beat. Usually, intentional movement of the involved muscle causes fasciculations to cease immediately, but they may return once the muscle is at rest again. Fasciculations have a variety of causes, the majority of which are benign, but can also be due to disease of the motor neurons. They are encountered by virtually all healthy people, though for most, it is quite infrequent. In some cases, the presence of fasciculations can be annoying and interfere with quality of life. If the neurological exam is otherwise normal and testing does not indicate any additional pathology, a diagnosis of benign fasciculation syndrome is usually made."
Utnapishtim nearly has a heart attack. *Gasp!* One of the heroes touched him! Fort Save: He starts to faint, but catches himself at the last moment. "Oh! But, the pleasure is all mine!" He shakes Tiktaa's hand as vigorously as he can--which is not very vigorously at all. "You know: A handshake is a short ritual in which two people grasp one of each other's like hands, in most cases accompanied by a brief up and down movement of the grasped hands. When making a bet and confirming the bet with a handshake, it is usually held that the instant the two hands touch willingly, the bet becomes official. Using the right hand is generally considered proper etiquette..."
A spindly-armed human steps forth from the temple of Desna. He is clearly awed by the party. He has a bit of fanboi worship in his eyes. "Um. G-g-g-greetings, heroes!" He bows very low and with as much flourish as his scrawny frame can muster. "I am Utnapishtim ibn Atrahasis ibn Ahmad ibn Faldan ibn Rasid ibn Hamad of Shuruppak, and I am at your service. I cannot tell you how pleased I was that Father Zantus suggested I accompany you. Know that I am a loyal companion and I have spent years studying scrolls about ancient Thassilon. I have read about..."
"...the ancient empire of Thassilon (pronounced THAH-sih-lon) occupied most of western Avistan for over a millennium. While its power was great, struggles for control within the nation itself tore Thassilon apart. All that now remains are mysterious ruined monoliths scattered throughout the landscape of Varisia..." |
