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Post by cOMMUNISMISFANCY on May 10, 2010 20:51:07 GMT -5
The Curse of the Pharaoh Endless dunes stretch across the desert in all directions, tiny grains of sand slide into the half-filled footsteps which stretch out behind you, slowly filling them up match the lifeless landscape. The sun is beginning to rise in the east as you make your way into Prophet's Leap, a sleepy redlander hamlet made up mostly of humans which is situated on a cliff face a few hours away from your next destination. The coastal ruins had proved a fruitless endeavor in your quest to rid Irestil of the curse that had beset him upon your last adventure. Many days had passed and his condition continued to worsen. The band of adventurers had spent their days searching the great libraries at Raqote to the East and at last found two possible places to further their quest. The ancient scrolls had first pointed to the heiroglyphs along the walls of the ancient coastal ruins which were said to speak of this curse, although even the libraries at Raqote could not name it. The other clue had been to seek out Khubsheth, the Prophet, a wise androsphinx who guarded an ancient monument. As the coastal ruins could be reached quickly by boat, it had been the consensus to begin this journey there. Provisions were acquired and a fortnight past the adventurers had set out from Raqote for the ruins along the shoreline of The Uatch-ur. That leg of the trip was largely uneventful, save for a few wild beasts which were unhappy with the disturbance of the dens and warrens. The heiroglyphs in the ruins, however, were worn, faded, and of no use. Thus, the five adventurers turned south to make the long trek through the desert to seek the counsel of the sphinx. In the night sky, it has been difficult to recognize what has afflicted Irestil, but as the sun rises over the horizon each day, it becomes more evident. His shadow is not his own, but changes slowly, altering itself in appearance day by day, into what, is unknown. The Sceptre of Set that he carries now is made of gold, two feet long and crowned with the image of Set in black. All attempts to simply have the curse dispelled by the priests of Raqote had failed. Parting with sceptre seems to be of no use either, as it finds its way back into the elf's possession within a short period of time. Destroying the sceptre has also proved usless so far, each attempt, no matter how forceful or ingenius has beared no fruit. The stop in Prophet's Leap is little more than a moment's respite under the large cloth awnings of the town square. A sleeply boy awakens as his dog whines upon your approach. He quickly scrambles to his feet, bearing a short blade. "You aren't going to steal any of our water!" He says with a scrappy confidence, brandishing it towards you with boyish bravado. The soft clink of a coin purse being tossed into the dust at the boy's feet makes him reconsider his actions and he cautiously lowers his blade, allowing the party to approach. Canteens, sacks, and earthen jugs are quickly refilled from the town's precious well, the water will make the remaining hours trek across the sand more bearable. The travel thus far had been undertaken under the mask of night, but so close to the destination, the excitement and urgency overwhelmed any sense of remaining caution. Weary mounts carry the adventurers to the mouth of The Valley of the Queen, your next destination and where you currently find yourselves. As you enter the ravine, the sun beats down harshly on your brows. Ahead, crouching in the middle of the ravine, is a colossal statue several hundred feet long. Composed of smooth, weathered gray stone, the statue depicts a majestic female sphinx wearing a simple crown. The workmanship is exquisite, with fine facial details and rippled muscle tone. Its massive outstretched paws form a shadowy alcove, perhaps cloaking a doorway.
The heat is severe during the journey, although the sun is still low in the sky, it is the middle of Summer and the sand has warmed quickly for the last leg of your journey. I need the following for everyone in the party. Protection from elements will provide Heat Resistance 1 for these checks, as it works slightly differently in this setting. Also, any sort of conjuration spells for food or water will not work in this setting. Heat Resistance 0 - 6 Fortitude Saves Heat Resistance 1 - 1 Fortitude Saves Heat Resistance 2 - 0 Fortitude Saves Today's Forecast: Heat Level: Severe Wind: Low Chance of Rain: None
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Post by cOMMUNISMISFANCY on May 10, 2010 21:07:32 GMT -5
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Post by joelocaust on May 11, 2010 0:05:42 GMT -5
21,21,25,9,11,14 Possibly +1 to all (for everybody) if I can inspire courage when the "going gets tough."
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Post by Cadic's Devoted on May 11, 2010 2:25:35 GMT -5
Ahmet-Mose soars across the desert, a form floating in the center of a whirlwind of sand, in a seated position with his hammer strapped across his back, a large pack full of his other equipment strapped over it, his shield on the outside of it all. His hood is laid down across his shoulders, allowing his long dark hair to flow in the wind from raging sands around him. As they approach the statue, the whirlwind slows and finally stops, swirling in place. The tornado slowly seems to set Ahmet-mose on the ground, as he extends his feet to a full sitting position.
Smiling slightly, he steps out of the tornado, adjusting the straps on his pack as he nods in thanks to the twister behind him. With nothing to signal its departure, the Dust Twister dissappears into the sky, awaiting its master's call to return.
Looking around at the rest of the group, Ahmet-Mose smiles. "The end of our travels awaits my friends. The one inside should seek the answers we need, and then we can finally lay this curse to rest and get back to the good things in life. Is everyone alright after our trek through the harse dunes of the desert? I wouldn't want any of you to succumb to the heat of the wastelands when it can be prevented."
Setting his gaze on what appears to be the entrance to the lair of the Prophet, Ahmet-mose waits for the rest of the group to be ready, and then proceeds to head towards the monument.
[ooc] No fort saves Required. [/ooc]
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Kiirnodel
Keeps Coming Back for More
Posts: 937
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Post by Kiirnodel on May 11, 2010 21:50:22 GMT -5
Upon arriving, Irestil dismounts from his ashworm and with a gentle pat commands it to burrow underground until he returns.
Unaffected by the intense heat, he quickly adjusts his bag, making sure despite all the attempts to rid himself of it, that the Sceptre of Set is secure. Afterward, he subconsciously rests his hand on the pommel of his blade and walks forward.
He waits with Ahmet-mose, then proceeds with the group to explore the area.
[No saves required]
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Nate
Senior Member
Posts: 487
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Post by Nate on May 11, 2010 21:56:41 GMT -5
Thet sits comfortably on his carpet has it floats over the sand. An umbrella shades him from the sun's unrelenting rays. As the group moves to the enterance of the structure, Thet stays on his carpet but stands up and puts his umbrella away. He does a quick check to make sure his tools were ready and waiting.
[ooc] No checks required. [ooc]
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Post by tokyosexwale on May 11, 2010 22:56:17 GMT -5
Last to arrive, Kuruanpu dismounts from his tired and dusty camel, Po. Not as fast or as flashy as his companions, he ponders, but steady and reliable. He reaches into his satchel and offers her a kind pat on the head and a handful of dried oats.
Unfettered by the heat, Kuruanpu takes a swig from his water jar to clear the travel dust from his mouth. Absently wiping his muzzle clear he shields his eyes from the glaring sun and gazes at the beautifully carven sphinx to see if anything is out of place. It strikes him odd, that something so beautiful exists undisturbed among the blasting sands and beating sun.
Kuruanpu hears the words of his companion Ahmet-Mose but is unsure. Very few things in the desert are as they appear, or so he thinks, from his experience in the wastes. As his master was fond of saying, "There is a whole world of life...and treachery, hidden beneath the dunes and crags."
Nevertheless, doubts have no place in the mind of a deathblade. He has traveled with his companions for years and will follow their lead.
Kuruanpu checks to make sure Po is comfortably tucked into the shade of some ruins, adjusts his pack, makes sure his flail is close then heads to where his companions are gathering.
[ooc] no save needed [/ooc]
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The Lord of Blades
Game Masters
Ero Sennin
Please allow me to introduce myself: I'm a man of wealth and taste
Posts: 1,314
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Post by The Lord of Blades on May 11, 2010 23:04:44 GMT -5
Hak fans himself gently with a folding hand-fan, not caring for the heat but remaining totally silent, traveling alongside Kang.
20, 28, 25, 17, 17, 14
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Post by cOMMUNISMISFANCY on May 11, 2010 23:29:48 GMT -5
Taking a moment to gaze upon the statue and the surrounding area, you notice that the walls of the valley rise several hundred feet on three sides. The valley at one time appears to have been carved through by water or ice, exposing the rough stone beneath. Thet believes he may be able to climb the rocks should he wish to do so, but he sees no reason at the moment.
The dusty red earth stretches out for several hundred feet on all sides of the mammoth statue, which as you study it more closely is made of a strange grey stone that is not native to the red lands. The statue itself rises to nearly half the height of the surrounding valley walls and you estimate it would take fifteen minutes to walk the circumferance of the base.
Upon approaching the area between the outstretched paws of the Gynosphinx statue, you notice small piles of debens laying about as well as a few small bloodstones and citrines. The earth has been packed hard by the feet of hundreds of visitors and nothing grows in the vicinity. In the shade of the statue lays a large androsphinx, resting with his paws outstretched and his eyes closed. The two bards are able to recognize him a Khubsheth the Prophet, having heard tales of the great wisdom he dispenses, even in the far east.
Kang is distracted by a passing hawk, gazing down upon him from the cloudless sky. However, the others notice the Sphinx is mumbling to himself as the adventuers approach Khubsheth the Prophet. Irestel oddly recognizes the language as Sphinx, and Hak recognizes something magical about the mutterings, but his knowledge of the arcane arts are too limited to understand the complex nature of sphinxes.
Despite the fanning, Hak is uncomfortable in the extreme heat and takes 11 points of non-leathal damage from the journey. His partner, Kang, fairs equally miserably in the heat of the desert and takes 12 points of non-leathal damage. The damage can only be healed once you reach an area of less than 90 degrees and have had a chance to cool off.
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Post by joelocaust on May 11, 2010 23:31:31 GMT -5
Kang says softly (mainly to Hak, but easily audible for the party), "The sphinx before us, the secrets of it below. The shade holds answers." Kang begins to advance in tandem with Hak to the shady part at the base of said sphinx.
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The Lord of Blades
Game Masters
Ero Sennin
Please allow me to introduce myself: I'm a man of wealth and taste
Posts: 1,314
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Post by The Lord of Blades on May 12, 2010 0:10:27 GMT -5
Hak turns to Kang, "My friend, answers do little to solve a problem, they shall only tell us how to solve it. Let us go then, surely Irestil would like to speak to the sphinx. We'll let him do the talking. Perhaps we can find a shady place to play while they speak?" He looks to the others, bowing slightly, "With your approval of course." He tilts his head to the side while bowed, listening intently for a moment, getting the acoustic feel for the area.
Hak uses "Hear The Unseen", DC25 (12+16 = 28, success) to locate any living thing within 30 feet. Also, as a note, Kang and Hak are not brothers, merely partners. Also assume that Hak will assist Kang on skill-checks when he can.
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Post by joelocaust on May 12, 2010 12:01:32 GMT -5
Kang nods in agreement and accompanies Hak to the shady part. Kang asks while walking over, "Do you know anything about this sphinx that we don't?" He sets up and plays 'Sand of the Wind' with Hak.
Perform: 5+23+2=30 (not my best work, my bad, Hak) Bardic Knowledge: 19+16=35
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Kiirnodel
Keeps Coming Back for More
Posts: 937
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Post by Kiirnodel on May 12, 2010 15:46:09 GMT -5
Stepping into the shade and once again hiding his disturbing shadow, Irestil removes his mask and head wrappings. He approaches the androsphinx slowly, stopping roughly 15-20 feet away or further if it seems to react to his proximity. He waits quietly to see if perhaps the prophet will react.
After approximately 10-15 minutes if there is no response, Irestil speaks up. "Prophet, Khubsheth, we come seeking your wisdom." He bows, and waits again for a response.
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Post by tokyosexwale on May 12, 2010 21:23:43 GMT -5
A shuffling of heavy feet in the sand and low grunting noises announced the arrival of Minos, a looming figure covered in crude tarpulin and rags. Kuruanpu did what he could to disguise the creature's presence while he remained in his service, many could not stomach the site of the undead. He had been unsure exactly what this journey's errand would entail, but anything concerned with a cursed artifact of Set guaranteed danger. He thought it best that he engage Minos for a while longer in serving out his contract as penance for the sins of his master.
In fact, Kuruanpu had momentarily forgotten about him. The zombified minotaur could do little to keep pace with a desert camel. Kuruanpu had commanded him to loosely shadow the group as there seemed to be little need for concealment in the ruins and desert. However, he had no wish to alarm the denziens of Prophet's Leap and had commanded the undead minotaur to lurk in the wastes beyond the village until they departed.
With a motion Kuruanpu directed Minos to act as sentinel while the group had an audience with the sphinx. With a lurching shuffle Minos obeyed and went to stand in the crags overlooking the entrance.
Following the rest of his companions into the shade, Kuruanpu waits a respectful distance as they wait on the sphinx to acknowledge them. Kuruanpu is leary of creatures born of such ancient magic but neverthless awaits the confrontation with anxiety as he hopes the sphinx will soon reveal it's intentions.
[ooc]Sense motive if/when the sphinx speaks[/ooc]
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Post by cOMMUNISMISFANCY on May 12, 2010 23:58:27 GMT -5
Hak and Kang begin to play their instrument masterfully, filling the air with the soft plucking of harp music played in unison. Hak notices a few black beetles crawling about the sand, an ashworm, a camel, three humans, an elf, an anpur, a halfling, and an androsphinx in the close vicinity.
Irestel sees that the Prophet Khubsheth is still muttering softly to himself, but it becomes more difficult to make out what he is saying once the harpists begin to play. Studying the great creature more carefully, Irestel sees his paws rising and falling nearly inperceptably and his tail swishes gently as if there is some secret breeze which you are unaware of.
Ahmet-Mose follows Irestel to the shade of the monument and waits, standing just behind him while they watch the Sphinx for a few moments in silence. Thet floats on his red and blue patterned carpet, which barely distrurbs the sand as he glides easily across the rough terrain.
Kuruanpu is unable to discern anything about the sphinx as he studies him for clues as to his intentions. His zombie minotaur shambles without complaint to his post and scans the endless desert beyond for signs of life, his form motionless even under the scorching rays of the sun.
Upon further reflection, Kang remembers a tale he has heard only once, told by a sorceress whom he had met one evening while making camp in an out of the way oasis. The tale went that long before the lesser races and their kin had raised the great cities upon the Tashet, the Sphinxes had ruled a magnificent empire for more than a millenia. It was said that a great queen ruled this empire, whose name has since been lost. However, Khubsheth the Prophet, as the legend goes, was granted prophetic powers by the gods and saw the corruption in their queen. He then used his great abilities to thwart her, or so the story goes. The details of the tale were vague at best, for the sorceress herself had not heard all of it in its entirity.
If Cadic's Devoted or Nate have not posted by 9:30pm tomorrow, their ghosts can make posts for them for the day. I'm updating number of days in a row posted in the campaign info first post. We'll keep track of rewards there. (Ben is ghosting Cadic's if he doesn't post. Is there a volunteer to ghost Nate if he is AFK occasionally?
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