DM Corvus' The Wages of Immortality (Inactive)

Game Master CorvusRed

When immortality is for sale, what price are you willing to pay?


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Male Human Summoner 5 (Init +2; Perception -2; HP 2/43; AC 17, FF 15, Touch 12, Saves F+3/+5, R+3/+5, W+2/+4 all +2 if within Elreem's reach.)

"Aiieeee, you people all so repressed! If I want to do something I say ital! It's honest, and let's everyone know where they stand - life is too short for anything else. If tall dark and sneery here decides to take the fact that I want to lay with her and fight her because she is well equipped, in more ways than one, as an insult then there is little I can, or indeed care, to do about it."

Razan then turns back to Natasha, with a single brow raised,

"Aiee, you can try it, I'm not convinced I would be the one that ended up wearing it though."


M Human Lore Warden 3/MoMS 2 | Init +7 | Perc +10 | AC 20 (24) / T 16 (20) / FF 15 | HP 29/41 | Saves F +8/R +9/W +6 Treasure

Ajkanir appears to have a brief, intense coughing fit after Razan's offered wager, as he suppresses his laughter. She is lovely, he thinks to himself, but takes herself far too seriously.

He is impressed with Zahur's attempt to smooth things over and, coughing quietly once more, adds "It has indeed been a dry day for travel, my lady. If our news is of interest to you, this conversation would be much more pleasantly conducted in shade, with a cup in hand, don't you think?"

Diplomacy, Aid Zahur: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Ah well. Was thinking a little +2 could really tip her to friendly, given the great job Zahur did.


Female Human Wizard 5; Init. +1; Senses Perception +2; AC 13 (+1 Armor, +1 Dex., +1 natural); hp 28; Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +4

"I am not riding with you anymore," Natasha says to Razan, her voice quiet, but her lips thin and her eyes sparkling with rage. "One of the phantom mounts can carry me as well, or you can double up with one of the gentlemen."


Male Human Summoner 5 (Init +2; Perception -2; HP 2/43; AC 17, FF 15, Touch 12, Saves F+3/+5, R+3/+5, W+2/+4 all +2 if within Elreem's reach.)

"Aiieeee, I had forgotten you were doing me a favor. You could walk." Razan says, looking amused as he chirps at Sandstreak, who kneels obediently.

To the guards he mouths,

"Aieeee, jealousy."


Male Human Bard (Arcane Duelist) 4 |Init +5 |Perc +7| HP 35| AC: 21 T:15 FF:17 | Saves F +4/R +9/W +5|

"The two of you need to stop bickering like children. Razan, keep it in your pants or I'll find a more permanent solution. Showing restraint is not the sign of flawed personality."


Female Human Wizard 5; Init. +1; Senses Perception +2; AC 13 (+1 Armor, +1 Dex., +1 natural); hp 28; Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +4

The Wizard steps off of Sandstreak without another word to Razan, and moves over to the others. "Help me up, please" Natasha requests of Khol, extending a hand to him.


M Human Lore Warden 3/MoMS 2 | Init +7 | Perc +10 | AC 20 (24) / T 16 (20) / FF 15 | HP 29/41 | Saves F +8/R +9/W +6 Treasure

Ajkanir watches the exchange among his companions, and looks on in surprise when Natasha asks to ride with Khol.

"I must have offended you unknowingly at some point, 'Tasha, for you to ask to ride with the tiefling who speaks to you like a misbehaving child. Well, there is no accounting for tastes, as our friend Razan makes clear on a daily basis." With a smile, he adds "Should you tire of Khol's brusque manner, I hope to have a horse again one day that I can offer to share with you."

Turning back to the armored woman, he says "I ask that you forgive my companions, my lady. We have been long on the road, with only each other for company, and you can well imagine how that would wear on a person. And forgive my thoughtlessness as well - I am Ajkanir al-Atabiyah. With whom do we have the pleasure of speaking?"


Male Human Bard (Arcane Duelist) 4 |Init +5 |Perc +7| HP 35| AC: 21 T:15 FF:17 | Saves F +4/R +9/W +5|

Khol helps her up on the back of his mount, surprisingly careful with his claws.


The woman listens to Zahur, and waits a moment when he finishes. She then nods to him, and beckons to the guards, then the group.

"Follow," she states.

She leads the party past the dig site. Glancing down, a veritably army of laborers toil in the dirt, hauling it up by the basket-full. The top of what must be a stone pyramid is in the center of the pit, maybe thirty feet of it have been uncovered thus far. Among them, whip-bearing guards move, supervising the work.

Veering toward the Pavilions, the woman ignores the party's chatter for the most part. When Ajkanir introduces himself she responds.

"Hellknight Imperia Chard," with a polite nod. "Try and contain your tongues before the lord Leroung. He is a busy man, and such prattle is beneath him."

At the entrance to the pavilions, Chard beckons over three young boys.

"Take their mounts, feed and water them."

As the party dismounts, the three gather up the horses and head to the east, along the path to the stables. The party presses on on foot, into the cluster of tents.

Chelaxian guards sit in what shade the tents provide, passing bottles and laughing. A cluster of Garundi men loiter near the camp entrance, all curved swords, dark robes and hushed tones. They watch the adventurers with interest as they walk past

The largest of the pavilions, a veritable mountain of blue cloth, stands in the center of the camp. As the party approaches, a dark-skinned Garundi man exits the tent, and walks quickly past. He sports a long black goatee, oiled to a point somewhere near his belt. he is shirtless, wearing simple pants, and carrying a pair of vicious, barbed whips adorn his belt.

He seems to pay the assembled group no mind at first, but he pauses when he spots Razan.

"The spoiled little whore-son lives!" he laughs, "And a fully grown whore-son he has become. Glad to see one of the sons of Lord Thresh wasn't swallowed by the desert."

Razan:

Black Ja'ali, as previously mentioned/


Female Human Wizard 5; Init. +1; Senses Perception +2; AC 13 (+1 Armor, +1 Dex., +1 natural); hp 28; Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +4

Natasha glances from Razan to the rude Garundi and surreptitiously limbers her fingers.

'He is an annoying brat, but that sort of insult is fighting talk. Or at least it would be if anyone talked to me that way. Better to knock the big thug out before this devolves into a brawl, if things threaten to go bad.'


Male Human Summoner 5 (Init +2; Perception -2; HP 2/43; AC 17, FF 15, Touch 12, Saves F+3/+5, R+3/+5, W+2/+4 all +2 if within Elreem's reach.)

Razan stiffens and his normal good cheer melts away in an instant leaving him looking hard and dangerous,

"They were not swallowed by the desert. I killed them. Greedy murderous fools that they were they did most of the work for me. I had hoped the desert had swallowed you Ja'ali, but I should have known it would throw you up again. You can't keep a bad man down it seems. What are you doing here? Murdering slaving, or combining your interests?"


Stats:
AC 10/10/10, HP 28/28, F+5 R+2 W+8, Init +3, Per +14

Zahur raises an eyebrow at the audacity of the man to insult Razan and the summoner's response. Any identifying markings on the blue cloth pavilion? Knowledge (Nobility) 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 Does Zahur recognize the name Ja'ali or the man? Knowledge (Local) 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27


"My sole interest is coin, young Thresh, I am a business man, nothing more." He smiles, revealing a few pesh-stained teeth. "Your father understood that. As does my new employer. If you will excuse me, I have a demand to meet." Ja'ali bows, and walks to the group of Garundi men. They fall in behind him and head toward the stables.

Zahur:

The mark on the tent matches those of the guards, house Leroung. as for Ja'ali, nothing is known. Slavers are common enough in Thuvia, though they tend to focus their trade away from Duwwor.


Male Human Summoner 5 (Init +2; Perception -2; HP 2/43; AC 17, FF 15, Touch 12, Saves F+3/+5, R+3/+5, W+2/+4 all +2 if within Elreem's reach.)

Razan watches him walk away, rigid in the saddle hands balled into fists.


M Human Lore Warden 3/MoMS 2 | Init +7 | Perc +10 | AC 20 (24) / T 16 (20) / FF 15 | HP 29/41 | Saves F +8/R +9/W +6 Treasure

Ajkanir watches the exchange between Razan and the offensive Garundi, astonished that his companion seems to be holding his tongue to some degree.

He says quietly to Razan in Katapeshi "If you wish to strike now, hard and fast, and put an end to that one's life, I will be at your side. All of us have a day when we must die, and it is clear his should have come long ago."


Imperia, having watched Ja'ali with an open distrust, spits after he has left.

"Barbarians." she mutters.

She turns and leads the party through the entrance of the tent.

Inside the tent, pillows and carpets provide a comfortable surface. Incense snakes through the air, and a long, low table is covered in scribbled notes and opened and closed tomes of knowledge, in the midst of the documents, an immensely fat feline dozes. Off to the side, a drawn curtain hides what must be a sleeping area. A few candles provide light enough to see.

"My lord," the Hellknight calls, "I have brought travelers. They say they have news that is of interest to you."

"Ah, guests! Please, be seated, I will be with you momentarily," comes a lilting voice. "See that they are all given a drink, Imperia my dear."

There is ample comfortable seating available. Without protest, Imperia snaps to, and pours a glass of wine for each. As the party sits, they are handed a bowl. When completed, Chard takes up a spot standing by the entrance to the tent.


A moment later, the drawn curtains are thrown open, and a man of middling height walks toward the party. Dressed simply, but carrying an air of nobility, his graying black hair is cropped short, the sharp lines of his face are shaven clean, his bright blue eyes are inquisitive and restless as he examines the group. He wears no jewelry, save for three rings, two on his right hand, one on his left. Two are simply plain golden rings, but the third, on his right hand bears his family crest.

He smiles a practiced, charming smile and sits, taking another bowl from Imperia.

"To unexpected guests." he toasts before drinking deeply.

"Ah, but the introductions. I am Pellious Leroung, and most pleased to make your acquaintances. I see you have already met the illustrious Lady Chard. This is Narastraxus," he indicates the sleeping cat.

A quick glance at the 'Lady' Chard reveals a genuine smile and a slight blush in her cheeks.

"I am told you have news. Please, share."


Female Human Wizard 5; Init. +1; Senses Perception +2; AC 13 (+1 Armor, +1 Dex., +1 natural); hp 28; Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +4

Natasha politely sips the wine. "An interesting vintage," she says, nodding to Pellious Leroung as courteously as she knows how to.

For a moment, the young scholar's eyes stray to the books, and her fingers literally itch...

'Best not to. If my own response to such forwardness would be anything to go by, it could seriously inconvenience us.'


Male Human Summoner 5 (Init +2; Perception -2; HP 2/43; AC 17, FF 15, Touch 12, Saves F+3/+5, R+3/+5, W+2/+4 all +2 if within Elreem's reach.)

Razan puts his lips to the bowl and tips it back lip letting the liquid rest against his closed lips before setting down his bowl quietly.


Stats:
AC 10/10/10, HP 28/28, F+5 R+2 W+8, Init +3, Per +14

Zahur sits and accepts the bowl, wetting his lips with the water and then placing it back before him. "Greetings Master Leroung. The scholarly pursuits of your house are well known, even in the deserts of Thuvia. I am Zahur al Kinasi of Duwwor I will give my companions a moment to introduce themselves and then we shall speak of our news."


Male Human Bard (Arcane Duelist) 4 |Init +5 |Perc +7| HP 35| AC: 21 T:15 FF:17 | Saves F +4/R +9/W +5|

"Khol Karis of no place in particular. You'll have to forgive me, I know little of your noble house. My concerns are mostly to do with the sands and that which dwells within them."


M Human Lore Warden 3/MoMS 2 | Init +7 | Perc +10 | AC 20 (24) / T 16 (20) / FF 15 | HP 29/41 | Saves F +8/R +9/W +6 Treasure

Ajkanir reclines on a cushion and raises his bowl to their host, then takes a health sit, holding it in his mouth and savoring it, before swallowing the wine and setting the bowl down. Looking about the tent, he comments, "You keep an impressive library out here in the midst of the desert. Civilization so often seems to be swept away by the wind and sand. I am Ajkanir al-Atabiyah, once of Katapesh, and of many places since. We do have news to speak of, and I would be interested indeed to hear more of the aims of all the furious activity here in your camp."


Female Human Wizard 5; Init. +1; Senses Perception +2; AC 13 (+1 Armor, +1 Dex., +1 natural); hp 28; Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +4

"Natasha Mournglory," Natasha introduces herself, "of Druma, now attached to the historical faculty of the Universit of Qadira." Pride rings in the young woman's voice...


To each in turn Pellious nods and extends a hand to shake.

To Khol: "Indeed. Mine own concerns mostly focus on what lies below the sands. I have found the service of your ilk more than useful in all my years of research and digging."

To Ajkanir "A most generous compliment. I most certainly agree; it is important to surround oneself with the trappings of the civilized world when surrounded by such savagery. An old professor of mine once told me that knowledge is both sword and shield to those who know how to wield it."

To Natasha, he nods low, and places a kiss on the back of her hand.

"An honor to meet a lady of such an esteemed institution. I have not been there in many years, but I certainly miss it so. I had an old professor there, different from the previous fellow, who speculated at great lengths on the nature of the planes and their interactions with Golarion. Dreadfully boring old sod. Perhaps you too were cursed with the lectures of Professor Nesrits? Old Andorian with a nose like an ibis beak! Pellious laughs heartily at the memory, but collects himself when he realizes most aren't in on the joke.

He turns to Razan and extends his hand.


Female Human Wizard 5; Init. +1; Senses Perception +2; AC 13 (+1 Armor, +1 Dex., +1 natural); hp 28; Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +4

DM Corvus:
I'm going to assume this isn't a trick to make Natasha say she knows someone who does not exist. ;)

"It is likewise an honour to meet a representative from the most scholarly of the great families of Cheliax. Tell me, what is it that brought you here?" Natasha asks, curtsying briefly in response to Pellious' courtly gesture.

"As for the professors at Q.U. ... You yourself must have sifted through quite a lot of dull sand to find kernels of interest, Lord Leroung," Natasha says, smiling a little at a memory. "It is the same with 'Old Ibis', as some of my classmates took to calling him behind his back. It took quite a bit of sifting, but there were pearls of interest buried in his lectures."

Enough of them for Natasha to have a '10' in Knowledge (planes), anyway. ;)


Male Human Summoner 5 (Init +2; Perception -2; HP 2/43; AC 17, FF 15, Touch 12, Saves F+3/+5, R+3/+5, W+2/+4 all +2 if within Elreem's reach.)

Razan's cheek twitches,

Wisdom Check DC 5: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (5) - 2 = 3


M Human Lore Warden 3/MoMS 2 | Init +7 | Perc +10 | AC 20 (24) / T 16 (20) / FF 15 | HP 29/41 | Saves F +8/R +9/W +6 Treasure

Ajkanir nods graciously at Leroung and responds, "Your professor was a wise man, for knowledge can be a shield, and a sword if wielded carefully. I find it helpful to carry a less abstract sword as well, as knowledge tends to cut more slowly than is useful at times."

He reaches out a hand to stroke the cat sprawled on the table, gently at first, then rubbing its head and chin more firmly if it is amenable, asking as he does so, "You speak of your concerns lying beneath the sands, and you have clearly found something. Can you tell us anything of your discovery, if you don't object to my asking?"

On the off chance Ajkanir has heard of the pyramid or legends about it, here are a couple of knowledge checks:

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13


Male Human Summoner 5 (Init +2; Perception -2; HP 2/43; AC 17, FF 15, Touch 12, Saves F+3/+5, R+3/+5, W+2/+4 all +2 if within Elreem's reach.)

Site went down one me while I was trying to edit.

Razan's cheek twitches, and he leans forward spitting in Pellious Leroung's smug face.

"I do not shake hands with human leeches," he says, for the first time his companions have witnessed omitting his customary aieeee.


An explosion of movement from the Hellknight follows Razan's insult; but Leroung's hand shoots up to halt her. "Imperia, no." he says, and she freezes. He gestures similarly to the party, in turn, urging calm, his eyes never leaving Razan's face.

Leroung sighs and stands; Imperia remains still, her crossbow leveled at Tresh's eye.

"My mother, when she learned she was to marry into House Leroung, was more than a little... disappointed. Her house, Henderthane, is one of prestige and influence in Cheliax and most of Avistan; their reputation--as I'm sure you know--is not one of kindness or mercy. They are iron-mongers, in every sense."

Leroung walks back to his table, patting his pockets and searching among the books and notes for something as he speaks. Finding not what he is looking for, he glances around to the party. He mouths the word "Kerchief?" before continuing.

"Anyway, She viewed her husband, and her sons as soft. She loved to tell us stories of her father, her grandfather, of all her forefathers and their brutalities. I suppose she did so in hopes of hardening us, of making us more like her. Anyway, she told me that her father once had a servant flayed alive for dropping a wine glass in his lap, after I had spilled a glass as a child. When my older brother broke his leg, falling off his horse, she told us that once her grandfather, after falling from his horse. She said that you could hear the stable-master screaming for weeks from somewhere deep within their house."

Taking a proffered kerchief, he finally wipes the glistening spit from his face. He then pockets the kerchief, and gives a nod of thanks. First PC to offer one, please say so.

"The reputation for brutality among those that march under the flag of Cheliax is well earned. House Henderthane is an example of this. House Leroung, however, for generations preceding the death of Aroden, and the rise of House Thrune, have been scholars. Museums and archives, universities and tome after tome of histories and philosophical treatises bear our name. Our legacy is of learning."

Here he sits again, this time behind the table. He pets Narastraxus behind the ears, and the cat purrs, pushing against his hand.

"My point, and there is one, I promise, is that I can certainly understand hostility, and I consider it more directed at my nationality than myself personally. I am a forgiving man, like my father. I have more pressing concerns than suffering insult at the crudities of barbarous badawī."

Kellish:

badawī is a term for desert nomads.

"But few would stand for such an insult in their own home, makeshift, as it is in this case. I have offered you comfort and drink, and you have, literally--which is quite overt, considering the subtle nature insults can take-- spit in my face, for some apparent wrong of which I have no knowledge of. You are either a fool of a previously unimaginable magnitude, or have problems riding a horse due to some highly localized swelling."

He returns his gaze to Razan, and speaks coolly:

"Remove yourself from this tent, or be removed. When my business with your well-mannered companions is concluded, you will be allowed to ride from this place unharmed. Be thankful that I have extended this final courtesy to you. I may be more my father's son than my mother's, but moments like these make me appreciate her family's proclivity for violence."


Male Human Summoner 5 (Init +2; Perception -2; HP 2/43; AC 17, FF 15, Touch 12, Saves F+3/+5, R+3/+5, W+2/+4 all +2 if within Elreem's reach.)

Razan rises nodding stiffly,

"A more courteous response than I had a right to expect. It is possible I have made an error in judgment, and if that is true I apologize for my behavior."

With that he turns and walks out of the tent moving off to stand arms crossed glowering out over the camp.


Imperia ducks out of the tent after Razan, remaining by the entrance, she watches the man intently.

Inside, Pellious exhales, seeming to deflate just a little after Razan leaves.

"Now then, I was told that you have news of some importance? Do share!"


Male Human Bard (Arcane Duelist) 4 |Init +5 |Perc +7| HP 35| AC: 21 T:15 FF:17 | Saves F +4/R +9/W +5|

Khol provided the man the kerchief, little more than a soft piece of cloth than anything fancy, and did not complain when it vanished.

"Zahur, Ajkanir, Natasha, I leave this to you. I must have words with our young companion," Khol stood up stiffly and exited the tent. When he was outside he stopped in front of Razan.

"Tell me why you did that," Khol said quietly, apparently unconcerned by the presence of Imperia.


Male Human Summoner 5 (Init +2; Perception -2; HP 2/43; AC 17, FF 15, Touch 12, Saves F+3/+5, R+3/+5, W+2/+4 all +2 if within Elreem's reach.)

Razan gestures out over the camp,

"Aieeeeeeeeeeeeagh, that man is almost certainly the master of dozens if not hundreds of slaves. Perhaps you didn't see the whips? If you can shake the hand of someone responsible for that much misery then perhaps you are a better man than I. And having Black Ja'ali in there employ is enough to damn any man, the man is a ruthless pitiless murderer, having him in your employ is like owning thumbscrews."

He spits in the dirt,

"Dress a murdering slaver up in finery and give him some courtly manners and you've still got a murdering slaver."


Male Human Bard (Arcane Duelist) 4 |Init +5 |Perc +7| HP 35| AC: 21 T:15 FF:17 | Saves F +4/R +9/W +5|

Claws gripped the front of Razan's shirt and he was treated to a face full of snarling tiefling, all sharp teeth and fury, "And so you risk four other lives for the sake of your pale and piteous pride?" Khol was nearly shouting at this point, his skin rippled as though something inside of him wanted out.

The nomad growls in a feral manner and lets the human go, turning his back and taking a few deep breaths. When he turns back, a measure of calm has returned to his features.

"Restraint, boy. You will learn to use it or so help me I will show you what I am like without any. Out here, lives hang by a frayed thread and us being put to death by an impetuous foreign aristocrat serves no one but those you hate. Not you, not those poor sods laboring away on the other side of the camp, and not any of those back in Duwwor. Only Black Ja'ali wins because you are dead and he is not."


Male Human Summoner 5 (Init +2; Perception -2; HP 2/43; AC 17, FF 15, Touch 12, Saves F+3/+5, R+3/+5, W+2/+4 all +2 if within Elreem's reach.)

Razan's eyes narrow,

"Aiieeee, you seem to be under some misapprehensions namely that I'm scared of you and that you are in charge. I am always prepared to take the consequences of my actions, and I regret nothing. I do not think a fight between us would go as you imagine, but I have been wrong before.


Male Human Bard (Arcane Duelist) 4 |Init +5 |Perc +7| HP 35| AC: 21 T:15 FF:17 | Saves F +4/R +9/W +5|

"You maybe be prepared to take the consequences but we may have no interest in them. You are not the only one affected by your actions. Need I remind you that we were hired for a purpose and that lives depend on us? You can go off crusading all you want once our task is done and the only one relying on you is you."


Male Human Summoner 5 (Init +2; Perception -2; HP 2/43; AC 17, FF 15, Touch 12, Saves F+3/+5, R+3/+5, W+2/+4 all +2 if within Elreem's reach.)

Deflating a bit Razan nods,

Aieeee, fair I suppose, principles are all well and good but they will offer little comfort to any who we could have saved. Elreem would have said much the same I think. I will wait here."


M Human Lore Warden 3/MoMS 2 | Init +7 | Perc +10 | AC 20 (24) / T 16 (20) / FF 15 | HP 29/41 | Saves F +8/R +9/W +6 Treasure

Ajkanir quietly observes the offense offered by Razan, and Leroung’s successful attempt to master himself and speak calmly, astonished as he is by both. After watching Razan and Khol leave the pavilion, he says to Leroung, ”You must have truly pressing concerns here, to set aside such an affront. I tell you, like your own, his feelings are honestly and purely felt, if expressed a bit … directly. In any case, we are perhaps better off without Khol as well – he has insulted me on several occasions during our limited association, and I’d prefer not to try your patience further.”

Looking at his two remaining colleagues, then taking a sip of his wine, Ajkanir continues, ”We did speak of news. There is a village a day and a half’s travel from here, towards Duwwor, that we recently passed through. Every soul in the village was gone – killed by ghuls and other creatures, we believe. We spoke with someone who saw what happened from a distance and he spoke of a woman in blue silks. A woman who flew. This was puzzling to us, and I wonder if you know anything of it, having been fairly nearby for some time?”


Male Human Bard (Arcane Duelist) 4 |Init +5 |Perc +7| HP 35| AC: 21 T:15 FF:17 | Saves F +4/R +9/W +5|

"These are unforgiving lands and less forgiving times, Razan. I would not like to see you die before you find a cause worthy of all that bull-headed courage of yours." He extends a hand to Razan.


Female Human Wizard 5; Init. +1; Senses Perception +2; AC 13 (+1 Armor, +1 Dex., +1 natural); hp 28; Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +4

Natasha watches the whole exchange in silence - but not stillness. One hand drops to her side immediately after Razan unleashes his insult, and stays there until he and Khol have left. Only then does that particular hand relax; the Wizard takes another little sip of wine, her face masklike in its stillness, but her eyes... turbulent.

'Hmmm. Disconcerting. I am not altogether certain whom I would have attacked...'


Male Human Summoner 5 (Init +2; Perception -2; HP 2/43; AC 17, FF 15, Touch 12, Saves F+3/+5, R+3/+5, W+2/+4 all +2 if within Elreem's reach.)

Razan lets out a booming laugh and grabs Khol's hand shaking it vehemently,

"Aieeee, I would hate for me to die to! But perhaps this cause is not so worthy as all that, let's hope our cooler headed companions can charm something useful out of the snake - gold piece says this lot are at the heart of our problems."


Male Human Bard (Arcane Duelist) 4 |Init +5 |Perc +7| HP 35| AC: 21 T:15 FF:17 | Saves F +4/R +9/W +5|

"At the heart? Hmm, I'd say on the edges at most. Perhaps they have kicked the hornet's nest but I doubt it was intentional, you humans are good at that sort of thing. A gold piece it is."


Stats:
AC 10/10/10, HP 28/28, F+5 R+2 W+8, Init +3, Per +14

For a moment, Zahur sits stunned, unable to believe the breach of hospitality by Razan. Ajkanir's words snap him out of his silence. "Deepest apologies Master Leroung. Our companion is young, impetuous and acts without thinking. Ajkanir has summarized the situation well. This is a town that was formerly known for trade in crocodile skins. We had hoped to learn if you too have encountered unusual events while you have been here."


Leroung waves away the further apoliges.

"It is fine, as I explained, I can understand such hostilities. I have never encountered them so directly, but it matters not."

He listens to Ajkanir's account and nods, his face growing concerned.

"Tragic... Ghuls you say? Unsettling things. As for flying women in blue silks? I cannot say we've seen such a thing. I know that a few men from that village joined us here when our latest supply caravan passed through. A father and two sons, they were tending the animals, before the problems started."

"A vast number of the prisoners we brought here from Osirion and Aspenthar have been stricken with the bubonic plague. A few of my house guards have also perished, same with the men from the village. Plague would prove a minor issue, of course, had the priest I brought with us from Osirion not been killed. He was mauled by some predator a few days after we arrived, and whatever it was scared off most of the pack animals as well. Sadly, I could not get word to our supplier to find another healer and more camels before he returned. The man you saw--the uncouth one with the whips--I have sent him to find us aid. Thankfully, our work has continued even with the continued spread of the disease, sadly, we have been unable to help anyone stricken with the plague so far."

"The good news is all is not a loss. We are close to uncovering an entrance to the pyramid." His eyes shine with excitement.


Female Human Wizard 5; Init. +1; Senses Perception +2; AC 13 (+1 Armor, +1 Dex., +1 natural); hp 28; Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +4

"Plague," Natasha says, frowning, "just out of nowhere? And the only one who could have cured it was mauled by an animal... like a large hyena, perchance?"

Natasha's eyes seem to burn. "This stinks of a setup. Your encampment may be in use as an incubator for pestilence, monitored by the Ghuls and their mystery mistress."

Natasha does not say out loud that she finds Leroung's attitude, putting getting into the pyramid above and before the lives of the workers, deplorable. But she is most definitely thinking it!


"It could very well have been a hyena. We have seen many and heard many more on the outskirts of the camp."

"I have given thought to this as well. This strain seems to be particularly deadly, and worse, seems to follow no pattern of infections. It has been spreading at random. The men from the village had no contact with the prisoners, far as I can figure, and they all were stricken with the plague..."


Female Human Wizard 5; Init. +1; Senses Perception +2; AC 13 (+1 Armor, +1 Dex., +1 natural); hp 28; Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +4

"You need to change your priorities, lord Leroung," Natasha says. "Knowledge is a fine goal, but survival must now become your focus. I understand that you do not have a Cleric on call, but what other resources do you possess to deal with this pestilence? And of equal importance: what means have you to combat an unknown number of Ghuls, as well as what appears to be a spellcaster of some sort?"


"My house guard remains mostly intact, fifteen strong. I am far from helpless, as is Imperia. Is one among you skilled as a healer? Do you have any healing supplies? That could save many who languish under the illness."

"And the work must continue. It is my belief that the source of this pestilence is within the pyramid, or perhaps the pyramid itself. The Ancient Osirian's safeguards are well-documented, as I'm sure you know. While I've never heard of a curse quite like this, if I can get inside the pyramid I'm sure I can break it!" He clutches his fists with the fervor of a zealot.

Outside:

A figure emerges from the din and dust of the dig, and strides through the campsite toward the Lord's tent.

An Osirion beauty, the likes of which are few and far between, she is. Long, jet black hair is tied back, and her face, even smudged with dirt and sweat is, to say the least, striking. She wears simple work clothes, but on her, they would make even the most manicured and pampered queen itch with jealousy. She smiles and nods in greeting to Khol and Razan as she passes.

Imperia's eyes narrow as she approaches, her apparently permanent scowl twists to a truly hideous sneer when the woman enters Leroung's tent.

Inside:

As the woman enters, Pellious leaps to his feet, an expectant expression on his face.

"We have uncovered the entrance, my love." the woman says, her voice brassy with triumph. Pellious shots with triumph, and the woman turns and exits.

"Come! Our salvation is at hand!" He beckons the party before he races from the tent, after the woman. "Narastraxus!" he shouts, and the cat leaps from the table. In a flash of brimstone, the creature twists and shrinks in a hideous imp. Cursing and spitting in Infernal under it's breath, it flies after its master.

As the lord and the Osirion woman rush through the camp, Chard falls in behind them, and after a flurry of surprise and disorder, five of the house guards fall in as well, scrambling after the impromptu caravan.

Leroung, rubbing his hands together, and grinning like a debt-ridden gambler on a lucky streak, leads them, of course, to the edge of the dig.


M Human Lore Warden 3/MoMS 2 | Init +7 | Perc +10 | AC 20 (24) / T 16 (20) / FF 15 | HP 29/41 | Saves F +8/R +9/W +6 Treasure

Seeing the cat's transformation, Ajkanir looks with dismay at the hand he used to pet the foul creature, wiping it on his leg as if to clean the filth off it.

As Leroung and the two women exit the tent, Ajkanir mutters quietly to Zahur and Natasha, "Razan may have been right about him after all," then follows after to see what all the excitement is.


Male Human Summoner 5 (Init +2; Perception -2; HP 2/43; AC 17, FF 15, Touch 12, Saves F+3/+5, R+3/+5, W+2/+4 all +2 if within Elreem's reach.)

Razan frowns at the beautiful woman currently in no mood to be flirtatious and trying to recall the description of the woman in blue. When Leroung emerges followed by his companions he follows on moving in beside Ajkanir and raising a brow in question.

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