"You are the only one to have seen the inside of the pyramid on lived to tell about it. If you won't help us, your statement will probably prove to be the truth. We are going in there in any case, and we are going to need every bit of information and help we can get if we are to have a chance to survive in there"
Versatile performance (perform oratory -> Diplomacy)
"Alright. I'll tell you.
"I was hired by an elderly scholar named Imivus to fill out his expedition. He brought ten of us with him, a number he said was important. Imivus had a preference for those with reputations for folowing orders and asking few questions. I was young, foolish, and desperate for coin. I remember Imivus was always in a hurry. He might have been and astronomer, because he seemed obsessed with the idea that his campaign could only succeed while something called the Ringed Planet was in its ascendancy and that window of time was waning. He never really explained and we didn't ask.
"What he did tell us was that the pyramid of the four Pharaohs of Ascension was hidden on another plane of existence. I don't know where, I just knew enough from the scholar's description to know that it was a horrible place. Imivus explained that the pharaohs thought they would live forever after they crossed into the afterlife, so they designed a funeral mask that would enable them to call the pyramid back to our world once again, in case the ever needed to return.
"I remember the mask well enough. It was inlayed with gold and adorned with a headdress of feathers, dyed both red and black. After Imivus brought us miles to the southeast, to the base of the four pyramids exposed by a sandstorm, he put on the mask. There was a greater shimmer of light and a gigantic pyramid suddenly materialized in between the other four.
"The pyramid was a massive temple of green stone. I'd never seen anything like it before. Once deep inside, Imivus' apprenctice deciphered several of the inscriptions that littered the walls and floors. According to the inscriptions, the four pharaohs had declared that all intruders would be doomed to live out their existence as eternal guardians of the tomb. Apparently, anyone who saw the four symbols of the pharaohs' namesakes would forever become enslaved monsters.
"At first I thought it was bluster designed to scare off thieves. I remember that Imivus ordered us to simply ignore the first few symbols as we came across them inside the tomb. But then Seraton, the party bowman, suddenly cried out in alarm, warning the rest of us to avert ourt eyes - he had seen the fourth and final rune. Moments later, Seraton transformed. He became a withered husk, like the emblamed bodies we had expected to find. An he was filled with a terrible smoldering anger. I remember Seraton driving his entre arm through Imivus' chest, exploding him into dust. As Imivus disintegrated, the funeral mask landed at my feet. I still don't know why I did, but I remember grabbing the mask and running for my life.
"Everyone else followed. I remember the long terrible run back through the pyramid shaft to the exit, our numbers growing fewer and fewer each time I looked back. It was as though somehow the pyramid itself was pulling everyone else back into the clutches of the monster Seraton had become. Only I escaped. Probably because I was lucky enough to have grabbed the mask.
"What else do you want to know?"
"Do you know why it was important you were 10 in your expedition? And what happened to the mask afterwards? Where is it now?"
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Dar' in a thoughtful mood, looks down at his sandelled feet, scuffing the ground as he concentrates on recalling memories from the recesses of his mind. In this concentrated state, an unwanted thought scampers through his mind, "you should have brought your note book in, you knew you would want it!". In the instant the thought disappeared back into the dark, but he tried to remember, he needed more information from Raegos. Once Calib and Raegos have completed their questions and answers, he asks "Raegos both brave and wise, what are your memories of this plane of existence, could you describe them more fully."
Knowledge (planes) to recognize the plane and remember details about it. Its main inhabitants, dangers ...
But somehow in the heat of the tent and without his books, Dar' just doesn't seem to be able to recall much at all. He took out a small fruit from under his cloak, and bit into the soft succulent sweet red flesh and the refreshing juice dribbled down from his lips. His tongue flicked out, and wiped the juice up, a hand and sleeve across wiped across, did the rest. Now perhaps he could concentrate and pick out the details of that Ringed Planet.
"I don't why there had to be 10 of us. Anyway, after I limped back to Sothis, penniless and frightened out of my wits, I sold the funeral mask to a merchant for what must have been a fraction of its worth, happy to be rid of it."
"I was never on the other plane of existence, so I can't tell you anything about it."
You know the ringed planet as Aucturn.
The Four Pharaohs of Ascension were Anok Fero, the Cerulean Pharaoh; Hetshepsu, the Fiend Pharaoh; Ankana, the Raidant Pharaoh; and the Pharaoh of Numbers, who's true name is lost to time. Although each brought different strengths to the union, all were equal.
Legends say the Four Pharaohs of Ascension were bound by a magical pact that intertwined their fates: they lived together, rules together, and were fated to die together.
The Four Pharaohs of Ascension are a popular subject of study by Osiriontologists from the devil-influenced nation of Cheliax. The tyranny of the Four Pharaohs is something of an inspiration to Chelish loyalists.
]"Screw the monster, we'll take it. That mask. Who did you sell it to? It may be important."
Devlin is biding his time outside the tent when a commotion down the street draws his attention. A rather loud and large cloud of sand and dust was making its way towards the tent. As it get closer Devlin lets out a low groan and begin yelling. You dumb creature I told you to stay, I should have never taught you how to track. Rolling his eyes Devlin walks over to Frulbraut and calms the camel down. Looks like we have to work on that one. Leading the beast over towards where Neferet is sitting and tells him Guard(in dwarven) pointing to Neferet. He than resumes his post at the tent flap.
"I don't think the mummy left the pyramid. It's probably still in there.
"I can't remember the name of merchant I sold it to, if I ever knew it. I am certain the buyer had no idea of what he was getting. I only told him it was from a pyramid of green stone.
"I myself only saw three of the four symbols, thank the gods. Imivus' apprentice told me they were the pharaoh's symbols for the words subjugation, desert, and fealty. Each rune resembled an esoteric symbol inside a circle. The first was a double-ended arrow flanked by two arcing lines. The second resembled an unblinking eye. And the third was a pyramid above a half-circle.
"I've told you all I remember about the pyramid."
"You have been very helpfull Raegos and we thank you for that. Now we need to find that merchant and hope he didn't sold it. Seems very unlikely. Fortunately for us such a mask can't have been cheap so that leaves out several options. I am quite sure we need to find a rich collector or noble of some sort. One last question Raegos; did you told any of this to other than us?"
Knowledge local to know who it could be
"Yes, the symbols were inside the pyramid."
"I've told my story to others over the years."
Devlin ambles over to Frulbraut and gets on. Come on you fur-brained beast lets stretch those legs. To Neferet he says Stay Leading the camel in the direction of the spy Devlin makes it look like hes checking over the harness and saddlebags, once in range he gently points Frulbraut's muzzle towards Xaven and says quietly to the beast Rem at wich the camel spits a large wad of cud and phlegm at the loiterer.
Spit ranged touch attack: figure hes flat footed.
If hit he is sickened for: rounds
In any case
Devlin lightly thumps the beast over the head Oiii watch that stuff, gonna get me in trouble one of these days. To Xaven Sorry mate ees been a bit sick lately. With that he finishes his checks and heads back to the tent.
Gonna need luck on my part thats for sure. Let hope he rolls low.
Bluff check vs Xaven
Devlin: As soon as you starting moving towards him, Xaven takes off, using the crowded bazaar to try to lose you.
After spooking the loiterer Devlin heads back to the tent, arriving right around the time everyone is filing out. So what did we find out? Do I need to go threaten him? Devlin gets filled in from his companions about all that transpired in the tent. He tells them about Xaven. Little twerp ran off before I could ask him how is day was. Devlin chuckles to himself.
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Dar' exits the tent and moves to Devlin, asking for the return of his papers and stuff, thanking Devlin for looking after them. He sighs at the condition of them, but calls quietly in his head to Desna asking for patience and for Devlin to be a little more thoughtful of others. He knows his god will be able to answer one of these calls, but realizes the other is unlikely. He makes notes regarding the interview, before continuing.
He looks around the environs of the tent to see if Neferet has remained nearby, or disappeared as he suspects she might.
He eventually turns to Mithral, "Thank you for introduction, his knowledge was very illuminating. Is there anything else you have planned for us today?"
The Mithral Scarab has gone, leaving you to your task.
Calib lets everyone know about his recollection of a mask like the one Raegos described. "I know of such a mask on display at the Sothis Exhibitory. Perhaps we should check there."
"Then let's go check it out. Since I doubt we can drag Raegos' ass to the museum, we are probably going to have to bring the mask to him for a confirmation."
Right, Lets go than Turning his camel he leads the way.
After your meeting with Raegos, you head to the Exhibitory. There are a handful of other visitors at the museum, as well as a few guardsmen inside and out of the building.
On the way, Heydar mentions to his companions that they see the mask, they might want to grab it and go. "You see, we might not get another opportunity, and I am pretty quick. Devlin, you could make some kind of distraction, I know can be good at that, and then I will grab it and run out as fast as I can. I guarantee that I'll outrun any guards. Once I get away, I fade into the crowds and meet you guys back at the restaurant near where we were commisioned.
Heydar strides through the exhibitory, scoping out for guards and looking for a mask that fits the description Raegos told them.
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Dar' follows uneasily, the thought of stealing the item from a place of public learning is alien to him. Introducing himself to Heydar he says, "Kind sir, Dar'erthan, cleric of Desna, journeyman and guide through the sands in Osirion, at your service. Don't you think we are being a bit hasty taking the mask, for surely we could better procure it for investigatory purposes by approaching Arch Docent, the curator of the Exhibitory. Honorable Calib, you seem knowledgeable about such things, what say you? Have you had dealings with Arch Docent before? To do such a thing in broad daylight will bring the guard to bear on us, and punishment would surely be severe. For such relics are bound to be pursued, not to mention the traps which might be protecting it. Surely you need at to least consider making a survey of the item and its surroundings and evaluate the alternatives rather then undertaking this unplanned and reckless act."
Knowledge(Local) for the local laws and their punishments
"Damnit, yer probly right." Heydar considers Dar'erthan's words. "Your way's probably smarter. Calib can talk to the Docent. Can you detect magical traps and such? Just in case we got to grab it and run. Actually. I would grab and run. You guys play innocent." Heydar then looks at Calib, waiting for his response.
There are five guards in total wandering through the museum.
Theft could result in imprisonment for up to a year and up to a 500 gp fine.
Waits for everyone to make up their mind. Whatever we do lets ge on with it. I've had three guards give me the stink eye already.
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Dar' replies, "It is within my abilities to find traps, however I need to prepare myself before I can use this ability, we would have to return tomorrow for me to have those powers. The only thing I can do know, is to detect any magical auras that may be present in the room. Wait I will return." With that Dar leaves the room and finds a quiet out of the way spot to pray. "Great and god Desna, humbly hear thy servant and let thine way be my way, let thy speed be my speed, eyes be my eyes, give me the sight of those things arcane and divine." The prayer continues, once completed Dar' returns to the exhibit room.
Every display in the Exhibitory radiates a faint magic aura, including the mask.
"I would definitely prefer if we could persuade the good Mr. Docent into giving us the mask for this purpose. I've had dealings with him before, though professional only so I don't know if that would be any help at all. He is, like any other Osiriontologist I know, extremely protective of his findings and his research. If he won't give it up, i see no other way than to borrow it without his permission. We will of course return it afterwards."
Calib will look for Arch Docent or his office.
Devlin keeps a wary eye out for anything unusual or anyone who seems to have too much interest in the group.
Perception check
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Dar' continues to look around the Exhibitory, just as a normal visitor to the place walks around looking at and studying the different displays. He is fairly sure that nothing will happen for the next few minutes as Calib goes off too find Arch Docent. He keeps an eye out waiting for Calib to return and then follows and watches what Calib does next.
Calib: You find the Arch Docent in one of the offices (the 10 x 10 ft square rooms in the middle of the map). "Yes?"
Everyone else: You notice three members of Her Majestrix's Expeditionary enter the Exhibitory: Xaven, the leather-clad halfling; Hroken, the mail-wearing half-orc with a tower shield on his back; and Scepter, carrying his wand rifle on his person.
Heydar attempts to blend in with the crowd. and move unobtrusively through the expeditionary to the room with the mask.
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Dar' continues to look at the exhibits, but trying to blend in with the crowd (Stealth) following with his eyes the rival group. He works his way towards the entrance of the Exhibitory, standing opposite the entrance but with sight to the exhibit with the mask, almost outside one of the offices. He studies the doors to the Exhibitory, seeing how they can be shut quickly and readies himself to do that.
Calib makes his request to the Arch Docent, who replies, "You've lost your mind. What makes you think I'd let you take one of these relics for your personal use. The mask isn't even mine...it's the Forthbringer's, as is everything else in the Exhibitory. I cannot comply with your request." Calib relays this message to the others.
Anyone outside or near the door of the museum see Xaven and Hroken leave the building.
Right, so we need a distraction? Devlin says in hushed tones. Just say the word Devlin cracks his knuckles and mutters a small incantation under his breath.
Cast longstrider