Fantasy World Creations

     It is the middle of the day and the hot desert sun beats down upon your heads in the Sunburst Market.  The market is packed today by the throngs of adventurers waiting for the ceremony with you and by onlooking residents of the city.  It is the day of the lottery, the event you came to the city for and after days of preparation it is finally time to gain access to the untold treasures of Wati's famous necropolis.  merchants ply their wares, offering cool drinks to slake the thirst brought on by the oppressive heat.  At the end of the market, the grand mausoleum (the city's largest temple of Pharasma) behind it, stands a platform upon which mill several priests preparing for the ceremony.  There is a palpable energy in the air, as excitement courses through the crowded market.  Even those hiding in the shadows of the market's massive columns to escape the glare of the sun chatter among themselves and others speculating the results of the lottery and exchanging information. 
     As you continue to wait, a keleshite man and two companions approaches you.  They appear to be adventurers judging from their assorted armor.  Each of them wears a white cloak with their hoods drawn and a metal pauldron sporting a bronze eagle.  "Hail there friend, I think I've seen your lot around the Tooth and Hookah.  I should have guessed we'd run into you here.  The name's Rogan Thal and we're the Bronze Eagles from Thuvia.  Mind if I ask who you are?  Surely some good conversation will pass the time awaiting the lottery ceremony all the swifter."

Lydia looked at the man who had introduced himself as Rogan. With all of the adventurers she had seen in recent days, trying to remember who was who seemed to be an impossible task. Compared to this group, her own seemed to be quite the motley crew. People that happened to be together through circumstance. She did not know too much about her own group, they had recently gotten together but each member seemed reliable enough. She was unsure if she was the best representative of the group but she felt it would be rude to ignore this fellow, and it did seem to be taking a while for the lottery ceremony to get underway as he had stated.

"Nice to meet you, Rogan. I'm Lydia Eisenburg, a member of the Company of the New Dawn. We're eager to test ourselves and see what we can find. It is a lot different than what we've done in the past. Have you been in town for long?"

She was unsure on how to approach the Bronze Eagles, but they seem to be friendly enough.

[info]Gonna do a sense motive.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+2 : 15 + 2, total 17[/blockquote]
[/info]

     Rogan puts his hands on his belt, one hand resting on the pommel of the sheathed scimitar hanging from his belt.  "Not that long, just a few days.  It was a long trip across the desert but we made it in one piece."  One of the other members of the Bronze Eagles, another keleshite by the looks of it, raises her hand in a questioning gesture.  "Hi Sharasha Mashi."  The new speaker places her other hand on her chest as she introduces herself.  "This is actually our first expedition.  I don't suppose you have tried your hand at any expeditions before coming here?  We could use any advice you might have."

[info]Sense Motive
They seem trustworthy enough.[/info]

Noland notices Lydia talking to a couple of people, unsure of the reason behind the start up of the conversation and with Lydia being friendly towards them. Noland decides to introduce himself to them.

"Hi, nice is meet you Rogan and Sharasha. I am Noland Shin, another member of the Company of the New Dawn. This task sounds like it'll be fun. This too is my first expedition. So any advice I would have would be work together with your team."

[info]Sense Motive on Sharasha
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+5 : 18 + 5, total 23[/blockquote]
[/info]

     "Thank you for the advice.  I hope our teamwork is up to the task."  Replies Sharasha.  "All we have experience fighting are some of the scorpions and other beasts of the desert."  The third of the group, a tall and brawny man standing a head over his compatriots chimes in with the nest question.  "I've heard that the necropolis is infested with undead.  Is that true?  I find it hard to believe that there could be an entire city overrun with the damned just on the other side of those walls. The name's Suffrei Ashbi by the way."

[info]Knowledge Local or Religion check for those that wish to make it

Sense Motive
Sharasha appears to be genuine in their curiosity and lack of knowledge[/info]

[info]rolling Knowledge Local is yes or no the undead question.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 1 + 8, total 9[/blockquote]
[/info]

After taking in the sites in and around the crowded market Omar decided to meet up with his company mates at the Tooth and Hookah.  Opening the door to the inn Omar scans the room to find his mates and notices Noland and Lydia  talking to a couple of unfamiliar faces. Omar walks acrossed the room and waits for a chance to introduce himself to these strangers.

Greetings the names Omar Maloof I see you have already met the a few of my friends here. Judging by the looks of it I assume you guys are here for the opening of the Necropolis as well?

Alaya returns from refilling her waterskin from a nearby well.  "Ah, new friends!  How do you do.  I am Alaya of the Company of the New Dawn.  It sounds as though you have met my companions here.  It is a pleasure to meet you all."  She extends her hand for a hand shake, smiling warmly at each of the members of the Bronze Eagles.  "I would be happy to hear your stories of adventure some time, and I'm sure we could tell you some of our own.  It was quite the,..." she pauses, and considers for a moment, "harrowing experience for me coming here.  I almost succumbed to the heat of the desert, and likely would have without the help of my companion here," she says, gesturing at Lydia.  "I would certainly make sure to carry more water than you'd think you'll need in the future.  I'm still a bit unused to the heat in this part of the world, I come from farther to the north."

[info]Knowledge Religion check for both knowledge of the necropolis and to see if there is anything indicating any of the Bronze Eagles are followers of any particular religion.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 8 + 6, total 14[/blockquote][/info]

     "Yes, we heard that the Necropolis was being opened so we came to try our luck.  I guess we don't get to choose where we want to explore though."  Replied Rogan.  "I think we will be fine on water though.  We're used to the desert heat.  In fact, we traveled here by crossing the desert to the west.  If you think the heat of Osirion is bad, you should try crossing the sands of Thuvia.  In our country there are no great rivers to cool you off."

[info]Knowledge Results

Alaya
You are not familiar with the area but you have had a chance to see the walls of the necropolis and recognized many of the prayers inscribed into the stone to be those aiming to quell the restless dead.  You're pretty sure that these inscriptions are there for good reason.

Nolan
You may have HEARD that the necropolis has undead in it but you know that the real menace is the Chelaxian conspiracy to turn the dead city into a giant summoning circle from which to call forth one of the greater devils from beyond the mortal realm.  Everyone may think that's bullshit but you know the real bullshit is the misinformation spread by the Pharasmans that act as puppets for foreign powers.[/info]

[info]Prepared Spells:
Level 0 (3) - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Stabilize
Level 1 (2) - Cure Light Wounds, Entangle

May spontaneously cast Summon Nature's Ally I as a replacement for a Level 1 Spell slot[/info]

From a short distance from the rest of the party I have been speaking to someone else, close enough to hear some of the conversation, but enough away to not be a bother. I give my companion, a girl slightly younger than I, a hug and I wave goodbye and then walk over with Burağan in tow to join the group discussion properly. "Sorry for keeping you waiting, I was checking in with a friend of my from tribe, been awhile since I've been back home." I turn towards the strangers and say with a smile "Hello, I am Sehra Teraneva, a pleasure to make your acquaintance" and gesturing to them with a welcoming, locally approved salute. "In my nearly 20 years I've not spent a great deal of time here in the city proper, but I know quite a bit about the desert that surrounds us. Have heard many fascinating rumors about the Necropolis over the years, it is exciting to finally get the chance to see if there are any truth to them, though, I imagine, we may find the desert more hospitable.

[info]Perception check[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+2 : 8 + 2, total 10[/blockquote], observing their demeanor.[/info]

     "Oh? What tribe are you from?  We might have met with some of your kin in our travels across the desert."  Inquires Sharasha

[info]Perception Check
They stand at ease before you.  None of them appear to be concealing any weapons.  Rogan wears a scimitar at his hip while Suffrei has an oversized khopesh slung on his back.  Sharasha wears a bandolier of daggers.[/info]

"I can only imagine how bad the heat gets out in that area. This heat makes it uncomfortable to wear metal armor but better to be safe then sorry out there. Sounds about like how our Company operates in sending people out at their discretion but I get why. And was for the water I agree would rather have too much in this heat then not enough." 

     "Maybe you should invest in some lighter wear then?"  Replies Rogan, flipping the end of his white cloak.  "It may seem odd but a good linen cloak like this is a life saver out there in the desert.  Helps to keep the sun and sand off.  Then you need only worry about the jackals and lions.  That is unless you are looking to go deeper into the desert, far from the caravan routes.  Out there even greater dangers lurk.  I have heard tell of scorpions the size of houses and evil geniekin.  Then you might need more than a cloak." Rogan laughs at this last line while his compatriots roll their eyes.

Quote from: pringerbeam on May 18, 2018, 07:35:39 PM
     "Oh? What tribe are you from?  We might have met with some of your kin in our travels across the desert."  Inquires Sharasha

"We are called the Fışqırdıran Külək, or the Whispering Wind tribe; most people just call the Kuleks." I say to them, hoping my people don't have a bad reputation out in the world that I am unaware of. "We are primarily traders, but in times of need we've served the people as militia. Less for the mercenary reason of the money the task itself earns, more for the trade interest and protecting the people we trade with." I catch myself and sigh "Apologies, I do tend to run on about my old ways at times, I hope neither of our groups run in to too much trouble."

[info]Out of character, the naming conventions I'm using for my character and tribe names are a Google Translate into Azerbaijani, sounded interesting and not the obvious like ancient Egyptian would be[/info]

Turning to Omar "Spend enough time in the desert my friend and you will learn to eschew metal as much as possible, but sometimes the most effective tools can be made of a solid hunk of iron. There are ways around this, but costly ones."

"I hope this leather will be strong enough for those scorpions." Noland laughs at Rogan's comment about scorpions, while listening to Sehra talk about her tribe. "Hopefully this expedition will be fruitful for everyone."

"They may not be of my church, but I can read a prayer inscription.  I've seen crypts before, and that city is not a safe place to go into for anyone living.  Be careful in there.  I'd hate to see anyone added to the number who we need to slay in there."  Alaya casts an eye to the walls of the necropolis. "That said, I'm quite ready to get over to them and help cull the undead from this city.  Standing around and waiting in hot armor is worse than at leas having a plan of action and something evil to smite.  Perhaps we can share stories of what we find in there tonight back at the inn."

Lydia hovered near the conversation, standing relaxed against a nearby wall. She listened to her companions speak intently. Her foot tapping the ground impatiently, anticipation for the lottery building. Her ears perked up as Alaya mentioned the undead. It clicked with her for the first time.

"Wait... there will be undead here?" It made so much sense. For some reason she had been anticipating creatures like spiders and other common adventuring fare. She could feel her heart racing, the excitement climbing into her throat.

"When do we start?!" a sly smile crept onto her face. It was hard for Lydia to hide her excitement. She left home for new experiences and now there was one waiting right in front of her.

She turned away from the party and stared towards the location that the announcement would be taking place, barely able to contain herself.

     As if to punctuate that last sentence, the peal of a gong rings out across the marketplace.  "Apparently now.  Thank you for all your advice.  I guess it's up to the draw now.  Hopefully we will all benefit from good fortune."  The gong rings out again from the platform at the end of the marketplace where now a number of priests of Pharasma stand.  The Bronze Eagles all turn to watch the platform along with just about every other head in the market.  The sounds of the market die down to a dull whisper and then near silence as a third ring of the gong sounds.
One of the priests steps forward from among those gathered on the stage.  "I am Sebti, High Priestess of Pharasma of our fair city of Wati.  I know many of you come from miles abroad and are seeking to enter the necropolis and it is for you whom I would like to speak."  The High Priestess's voice carries throughout the market despite her slim appearance.  "It was more than two thousand years ago that the city of Wati, founded upon the sacred joining of the Crook and the Asp which gives birth to the river Sphinx, was beset by a horrible plague.  The city was devastated as its people died in the streets.  Those who did not flee the plague were left to die and rot.  Their horrific deaths left this place a haunted city of the dead and it would be almost five hundred years before the devout priest of Pharasma Nefru Shepses would come to the cursed ruins and consecrate the city.  Through their great work and dedication, the city was made a holy place and the great walls of the necropolis were erected along with the Grand Mausoleum."  At this she sweeps her hand out to gesture towards the massive temple behind her.  "With the completion of their work, a shooting star fell into the Sphinx as a sign from Pharasma and was used to construct the great monolith just within the gates known as Pharasma's Needle: the capstone of the monolith forged from her auspicious gift."
     "Now it is by royal decree that the ancient places of our land be opened up for those of you to explore.  But I must remind you that this is a holy city and that beyond those walls is a sacred place.  This is why we have decided to hold this ceremony.  We will not have the necropolis overrun by grave robbers.  There will be order and the Lady of Graves shall grace you all with which sites you shall be fated to explore.  You will each be assigned three sites to explore.  You must complete each site before you are given the location of the next.  While you are allowed to take whatever artifacts or wealth you might find in your investigations we ask that you pay your respects to the honored dead of this place and let the mortal remains you find remain at rest.  We will not tolerate the desecration of these sites and willful vandalism of the dead will involve summary ejection from the exploration of the necropolis.  While encountering the undead will likely necessitate this, this is the only exception.  Even a pauper's grave is a holy place, every slave's hut a memorial.  Respect must be paid in this holy place.  And finally, while it should not need saying, there is not to be any fighting among groups.  We will have our own temple members patrolling the ruins in order to make sure you are all compliant."
     "Now, with these rules in mind the lottery will begin.  Those of you who have registered with the temple will nominate a member of your party to come forth when you are called to receive your first site and its location.  The necropolis gates shall be opened tomorrow at dawn where you will present your token for admission.  Now, may Pahrasma's grace grant you all good fortune."  With this final announcement, Sebti turns to the priests behind her who bring out two urns.  One of the priests sticks their hand into the urn before them and pulls out a wooden token before handing it to Sebti.  The baited breath of the entire market is held before she calls out.  "The Cryptfinders.  Please send your representative to the stage."  The market seems to relax as the first party's representative approaches the stage.  Conversations start back up, albeit at a lower tone, as the selection process gets underway.  Rogan and Suffrei turn back towards your group while Sharasha keeps her eyes and ears on the stage.  "Well that sure was something eh?"  Says Rogan.

With the clamor of the gong, the excitement dropped right back into the pit of Lydia's stomach. She listened to the speech, eyes wide. She nodded along solemnly, thinking of the respect that the dead are due.

"Who should we send? Who would be lucky enough to get us a good spot?" Lydia didn't feel particularly lucky, Alaya seemed like the most natural choice, but it was not for her to decide herself.

I think for a moment and say "While the Pharasmans' might be more amiable to a local that has served in the cities defense before, I may not otherwise be the best choice as I am not a devout of their calling", stops for a moment and ponders "A trait we all share, I believe? Pharasma is one of many my people find of importance, but what we collectively lack in devotion could be recouped in another way." I look over to Alaya "Due to what we face ahead of us, you are likely the best to represent us here, as, I feel they will appreciate your glamour, like I believe we all do. But I imagine they will appreciate your zeal more" I conclude with a warm smile.

[info]rolling sense motive them perception on Sebti
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+5 : 2 + 5, total 7[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+5 : 11 + 5, total 16[/blockquote]
[/info]

As Sebti giving her explanation, Noland is pondering what could be within the necropolis, and how much riches could he carry out to start a new life outside of Bargetown. Noland wonders about speaking up about being the one we send up but double guesses himself as Sehra suggests Alaya would be a better choice. For a minute Noland works up the courage to say. "Wait guys I feel I could good scout for our team. If Alaya wouldn't mind, send me!" Noland gets himself worked up. "Lets go guys."

[info]Sense motive
You're not sure if its just a well rehearsed speech or maybe it is that as a local you have heard of the high priestess' reputation as a champion of the common people but you feel as if Sebti is a sincere individual.

Perception
You see Sebti is wearing simple priest garments with her facial features easily distinguished even at this distance thanks to the highlighting effects of her cosmetics.  Her eyes highlighted by black kohl and her lips shaded with a vibrant color, she makes a striking appearance.[/info]

Alaya looks over her companions, looking first to Sehra.  "The church of Pharasma and Sarenrae are on generally good terms, so I wouldn't think it would cause too much of a problem to them.  We certainly share a distaste for the undead.  For all but a very few types there is no hope of redemption.  Most are mindless scourges on the land that should be slain.  Our dislike of the undead pales in comparison the the fervor with which the Church of Pharasma feels towards them however."
On hearing Noland speak, Alaya turns to face the dwarf.  "I certainly don't deny you would be a better scout than I would be.  But as we don't sound to be allowed into the necropolis yet, I'm unsure how that would be of aid. You are a native of the area, is there something to be worried about with the church?"

Noland thinks of Alaya question of the church for a second, "I personal don't follow the church but I've heard Sebti is good to the common people so there is nothing to worry about at this time.

     Different adventuring parties names are called in the background of your conversation until a recognizable name is called out from the increasingly busy stage where the priests and acolytes are tending to the assorted adventurers that have made their way up to the stage after being called.  "The Company of the New Dawn, please send your representative to the stage."  Sharasha turns from her vigil to look at the party.  "Guess you're up."  She says, sticking a thumb over her shoulder.

As Sharasha does the thumb over the shoulder, Noland looks at the rest of the group, and starts towards the stage.  Noland prepares himself as he walk to stage, he has never liked being in front of a lot of people but believes this is the best way for himself. When Noland gets to the stage he waits quietly till its his turn trying not to draw attention to himself.
[info]He is also trying to listen into any conversation that sounds overly important (perception roll)
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+5 : 3 + 5, total 8[/blockquote][/info] 

Nolan
     You make your way to the platform through the crowd eventually coming to find a short queue at the stairs on the end of the platform.  You hear the raised voice of a rather one-sided argument happening up on the stage but are unable to make out the contents of the the woman's voice.  Your view happens to get obscured by the rather sweaty and corpulent shirtless half-orc that is in line before you.  An irritated looking woman, a taldan judging by her dress, storms past you down the stairs off the stage.  The line of adventurers all turn their heads and watch as she stomps down the stairs.  The half-orc whistles under his breath and mutters: "Fiery bit of tail she must be.  Eh? Ehhhhh?"  He says moving to elbow you and the elf standing in front of him who shares a pained moment with you as the two of you get a very sweaty greasing from the half-orc.  The elf cringes and quickly turns to avoid eye contact and goes up to the priests for their turn at the lottery.  You see the elf speak a few quick words with the priest then stick his hand into a bowel and take out a small roll of papyrus sealed with wax.  He opens it, shows it to the priest before him and then walks on to another table further down the platform.  The half-orc follows suit and before you know it you are at the front of the line.

[info]first perception then sense motive on the taldan woman
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+5 : 5 + 5, total 10[/blockquote][blockquote]Rolled 1d20+5 : 15 + 5, total 20[/blockquote]
then Sense Motive on the half-orc then the elf
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+5 : 11 + 5, total 16[/blockquote][blockquote]Rolled 1d20+5 : 15 + 5, total 20[/blockquote][/info]
Noland follows suit and does the same as the half-orc and elf.

Nolan
     You draw one of the small rolled papyrus from the bowel.  Opening the wax seal you see The Tomb of Akhentepi written.  The priest looks at the scroll and says to one of the other priests behind him at another table.  "This one is from the Company of the New Dawn."  Turning back you you he points to the priest he was talking to.  "Please proceed to receive the location of your first expedition site.  NEXT!"  He says immediately ceasing to pay any attention to you as he calls forth the next person in line.

[info]Sense Motive: Taldan
She appears to be angry.

Sense Motive: Elf
He appears to want to avoid further contact with the half-orc[/info]

Noland heads to the next priest to get the location. While waiting he thinks The Tomb of Akhentepi has heard that name before during to "work"
[info]Knowledge local check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 4 + 8, total 12[/blockquote][/info]

     The priest at the next table is shuffling through a sheaf of papers when you arrive and pulls out a piece of paper.  "The tomb of Akhentepi is a mausoleum located on the northeast end of the necropolis.  located... here."  The priest points down onto a detailed map of the necropolis laid out on the table.  "Here are some direction to find the tomb."  He hands you the paper he was searching for previously.  On it you see a rough sketch of the main avenues of the necropolis and a circle where the tomb supposedly is located as well as some ancient osirian heiroglyphs.  "The heiroglyphs there with allow you to identify the tomb if you do not know how to read them.  Further I will remind you of the rules of the expedition: there will be no sacrilege conducted within the necropolis, all sites are to be treated with equal respect, and the peaceful dead are to be left to rest undisturbed.  Failure to follow these rules will result in ejection from the lottery and forfeiture of any valuables you've taken from the necropolis followed by arrest and prosecution.  We will be performing spot inspections to ensure compliance.  Now, do you have any questions?  If not please move along, others are waiting."

[info]Knowledge: Local
If you have heard of the tomb you don't remember anything about it.[/info]

Noland nods yes quietly while looking at the paper wondering what the glyphs say exactly. Once the priest is done talking Noland heads back to group to share to infromation about the tomb to them. Once Noland gets back to the group"hey guys the crypt we got is The Tomb of Akhentepi and here is the paper with the name and location on it."

Lydia looks over the paper after Noland returns. She was unsure if she would call any of the buildings in this area a crypt but she got the point.

We should make sure that we have everything we need before we go. When do we want to start our adventure?"

It was short. and to the point but the map gave them all of the information they needed to know. Lydia wondered what Akhentepi had in store for them.

As Lydia speaks Noland also wonders what is in the tomb, but the excitement of possible wealth is to much for him to stay quite,  "I got all the supplies I need in my pack, I'm ready when you guys are!" As he blurts that out in the back of his mind he then wonders if they are the only group going to this tomb or is this a race.

"I'm pretty sure the priestess said tomorrow at dawn was when they would be opening the gates.  There are several  types of undead that fear the light, so it would be best to have the most of it.  Though I do wish it was sooner as well.  Sitting by and waiting while knowing there is a menace to be fought is not my favorite."  Alaya looks over at the walls surrounding the necropolis again.  "Perhaps we could find where the closest entrance to our tomb is, at least that would give us something to do.  Or we could see how our new friends fare with their drawing, though I couldn't tell you anything about either our spot or theirs I'm sure," Alaya gestures to the Bronze Eagles.

     Rogan waves off the offer of company.  "Oh, no need to wait I'm sure we will have a chance to catch up.  I've heard that a few of the adventuring parties are looking to gather tomorrow night at the Tooth and Hookah to share experiences from the first day of exploration.  If we don't see you later today, I'm sure we will see you there or at the opening of the gates tomorrow."

[info]While there are two gates of entry into the necropolis, an East and West gate, only the west gate will be opened for the expeditions in order to allow the Pharasmans to control access to the necropolis.[/info]

"There are other supplies we could use in this venture, but barring a stipend from home office (OOC: Note 1) or from the city itself, (OOC: Note 2) I can not imagine we can afford further supplies." I wonder to myself about rumors I heard growing of "sponsorships" that the local nobility would offer (Skill Check: Knowledge Nobility), I would consider asking for a loan for the group from the tribe, but according to my friend Izci they have already left the area and Izci came on her own to see me.(OOC: Note 3)

[info]Note 1: referring to the Iron Tempest, something I am completely unaware of being a possibility[/info]
[info]Note 2: I don't personally don't know if Wati has any sort of bank, or if either the Wati City Council or the Pharasman church would offer loans in such a risky situation. And I don't know what skill would neccessarily give a player indication on the local trade customs, other than Appraise, but that isn't a knowledge skill. Just seems like an idea to bring forth to the group.[/info]
[info]Note 3: the person Sehra was speaking with before rejoining the group; done narratively so I can't just depend on my tribe just because they are normally local to area. Which I assume is unnecessary to suggest because I'm not the DM lol[/info]
[info]Knowledge Nobility check(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/envision2013_smf20_rev3/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+8 : 11 + 8, total 19[/info]

[info]The city does contain a rather sizeable temple of Abadar (god of cities, merchants, and wealth) that conducts banking services as most large temples to Abadar do.  However, they have made it publicly known that they are not interested in financing any of the expeditions into the necropolis though they are happy to offer their banking services to those looking to store their riches after a successful exploration.

Knowledge: Nobility
Most of the nobles of the city have chosen to avoid getting into the expedition business not out of financial concern but because they are looking to avoid the local contest between the Mahfres and Okhenti, the two most influential noble estates in Wati.  Word has it that they have hired adventuring parties of their own to explore the ruins for profit and historical research that they might use against their rival.
[/info]

"Well, if no one has any other ideas, I suggest we get convene for the night. If anyone needs to take care of any personal business, now is the time."

"Sounds good guys I'll meet up with you in the morning at The Tooth and Hookah. Have a good night."  Noland starts to get ready to head back to the The Tall Mast to sleep and get ready for the expedition.

     Rogan and the Bronze Eagles see you off with a farewell as they continue to wait for their turn at the lottery.  Those of you that return to the Tooth and Hookah return to a busy evening of customers buzzing with talk of the day's main event.  The Bronze Eagles don't seem to arrive before you retire for the evening.


Nolan
     You return to Bargetown as the sun begins to set.  There, among the creaking of wood and the gurgling of the Sphinx, you find your way blocked by a hulking garundi man with two even more hulking goons.  You know the man as Utep, a local thug that works for one of the local crime syndicates known as the Fading.  "Hey there Nolan.  Word  has it you're moving up in the world.  Mot here says he saw you at the lottery earlier."  He says nodding his head to the twins behind him who you know as Mot and Tesh.  They are leaning against some of the mooring posts flicking dates at eachother's mouths.   "And he says you were up on stage, getting into the lottery.  I'm surprised none of the Pharasmans remembered you from your grave robbing.  Sure would have been awkward for them to peg you for a thief up in front of the whole town."

Noland looks around to see who else was watching
[info]perception check[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+5 : 5 + 5, total 10[/blockquote][/info]
"Hey Utep"Noland takes a breath "Yeah after the last time being caught I was given a choice ether join a group and be a guide or go to jail for the rest of my life. It was an easy choice to stay out of jail. Enough about me want to do want? Noland is trying to figure out what Utep would want from him.

Nolan
     "Right to business eh?  Well that makes things easy.  You know what the Fading is all about: making mumia.  Well see the problem is with the lottery going on the necropolis is crawling with pharasman warrior priests and that makes our job getting mummies out of there a lot harder.  Can't get in without a permit and even if you do, its hard to keep out of sight with all the surveying that the church is up to.  And that's where you come in.  You've got a permit, you can walk around like you own the place.  We at the Fading like a guy with that kinda access.  Everyone knows you're sweet on that girl at the Tall Mast.  You need some extra scratch to show her a good time?  We have an offer: five hundred gold pieces for every mummy you can get to us.  What do ya say?"  Utep finishes his proposition by pulling his coin purse out from his belt and giving it a jingle.  The sound of the coins rings out among the quiet groaning of the floating district.

[info]Perception
The coast appears all clear.  The city guard that is a rare enough site in Bargetown doesn't appear to be around.[/info]

"You keep Liss out of this."  Noland looks at the bag of coin "five hundred per, that interesting. I'll see what I can do if it that heavily guarded I might not get a chance." Noland looks around "For now I'll act like this conversation never happened and i'll find you after the first expedition to go over the details." Noland waves at Utep and starts walking away.

Nolan
     "The offer stands."  Says Utep as you walk away.  "If you want to make some money just find me at the Hippo's Tusk"  He calls out as you turn the corner, referring to one of the taverns of Bargetown.

[info]End game day[/info]

     You are all able to get a good night's rest and wake up before dawn to make it to the opening of the necropolis gates.  Dozens and dozens of fellow adventurers and a veritable zoo of pack animals and exotic beasts are hanging around the giant gates that loom guarded by a dozen or so priests of Pharasma.  The orange glow of the approaching sun lights up the area, allowing for plentiful light.  Amid the crowd a familiar trio finds your party.  "Hey there!  How did things go last night?  Do any pre-expedition celebrations?"  Calls out Rogan as he makes his way through the crowd, tugging at a camel.  Suffrei is more easily handling his beast of burden and follows behind while Sharasha sits atop the camel's hump, here eyes on the gate.

"Hey Rogan, last night was quite and good. I went home and spent the night prepping." Noland starts looking around for everyone else. "How was your night Rogan?"

     "Not that bad.  We spent the evening trying to get a hold of some holy water to try and ward off the undead.  You wouldn't believe the price these days.  I guess it's in high demand."  Replies Rogan.  "Hopefully our site won't require us to take on too many of the unliving.  We were only able to get a vial each.  How have your preparations gone?"

 Lydia looks around, eyes wide at the throng of adventurers hoping to make it big. However she starts to notice something is off. Everywhere she looks. Mules. Camels. Carts. Other exotic beasts of burden. She looks to her own group. Her eyes travel to each member before finally settling on her own donkey. Fenrich tilts his head and brays quizzically. Lydia gentle scratches behind his ears. "Sorry, buddy. It looks like you're going to have to carry the load"

After being lost in her own thoughts, she focused on the conversation between Noland and Rogan. "I'd say our preparations have gone alright. They could have been better, certainly but I feel we are prepared to take on what awaits us." She flashed a small smile before going back to pet Fenrich.

"I hope we all find our fortunes today.  Make our camels earn their keep."  Says Rogan smiling.  His eye dart back over behind the group.  "Ah, looks like the time has come."  With that the sun breaks over the top of the necropolis gates.  The various adventurers grow quiet and one of the pharasmans shouts.  "Alright, the gates will now be opened.  Please form lines in front of an acolyte to present your exploration permit."  As he finishes, several pahrasmans behind him move to push open the giant stone doors. 
     Sunlight streams through the gates and you are able to catch a glimpse of the sand covered streets of the necropolis within.  Just beyond the doors you see a towering obelisk, covered in glyphs and runes and capped with a glimmering metal that reflects the dawn light.  Rogan tugs at his camel, turning it towards the gates.  "Well time to queue up then.  I must say when I heard about the expeditions and lottery, I did not foresee this much standing in line.  So, did try to learn anything about your exploration site last night?  We ended up drawing some ancient barracks.  Hopefully that means we will find a nice cache of soldier's pay."

[info]Prepared Spells:
Level 0 (3) - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Stabilize
Level 1 (2) - Cure Light Wounds, Entangle

May spontaneously cast Summon Nature's Ally I as a replacement for a Level 1 Spell slot[/info]
[info]OOC:
Probably would have been wise to research the place, I just don't have the knowledge skills currently to do it.[/info]
"Hopefully we have all that we need for what lies ahead, otherwise this will truly be our trial by fire, lest we be judged and found wanting."

[info]Knowledge Nobility check; determining if I know of the top of my head anything about who Akhentepi was
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 13 + 8, total 21[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Knowledge: Nobility
     Akhentepi was a general of ancient Osirion known in most records as the Scarab of Steel who lived and died before the fall of the city to the Plague of Madness.  He was an accomplished general, allowed to retire after years of service.  His most notable accomplishment was a defense of the city against a cult army in the thrall of a powerful Div in which he was able to rally several Mwangi tribes to the aid of Wati against the numerically superior horde.[/info]

     The line moves along at a decent clip and it is just a few minutes before your party makes it to the gates and the pharasmans.  With a simple glance at your expedition permit you are admitted into the necropolis to stand in the sandswept square just inside the gates dominated by the obelisk you could see from the living side of the walls.  Small dunes pile up against the sides of buildings and cover whatever the streets once may have been paved with.  It is as if you are walking among the dunes of the deep desert rather than the streets of a city that was once as vibrant as the town beyond the walls behind you.  The Bronze Eagles catch up to your group with Rogan calling out.  "Well, I guess this is where we part ways.  We're off to the North side of the necropolis.  Unless you're heading the same direction?"

Noland sees everyone start heading out "Hey Rogan see you guys later tonight at the inn good luck in there." Noland starts to look for his team members since he has only seen Lydia and Səhra so far. He also makes sure he has all his supplies ready for the day.

"We are headed north as well, so we shall accompany you for awhile longer, I can not imagine much trouble from other parties here, as the Pharasman's have stated their lack of tolerance for such a thing, but I also can not imagine there are those who will try to bend that rule as much as they can get away with." I begin the long march to our destination and continue, "And if my time in the desert has taught me anything, it is that there is safety in numbers. You never know what you'll run into, perhaps not a giant sand worm here in the necropolis (OOC: Note 1) but still, things no less pleasant."

[info]Note 1: I don't think Dune-style sand worms exist in D&D or Pathfinder, maybe they shouldn't, but it sounds like if anywhere it would be this land. Oh God, zombie sand worms in the necropolis.[/info]

     "Sounds good."  Replies Rogan.  Your conglomerate party makes its way down the sandy streets with the other adventuring parties, the stream of explorers rapidly dwindling down to a trickle as various groups peel off down dusty alleys to find their sites.  Eventually you come to an intersection where the Bronze Eagles wave their farewell as your groups are forced to part ways.  The trio turns to make their way to the Northwest, leaving you alone among the deserted streets.  It is not long after that you find yourselves in an ancient graveyard, the spot that your map has lead you to.  After a few minutes of walking through the desiccated stumps of the graveyard, you approach a large mausoleum bearing ancient hieroglyphs that match those on the map given to you.

[info]You are now in the dungeon environment,  Refer to roll20 for the dungeon layout.  Move your tokens in accord with your actions.  When combat inevitably starts, you're stuck where you are, so keep up with moving your tokens as if it was a regular tabletop.  Draw on the map using your player color if needed.[/info]

I take a moment to read the hieroglyphics (Languages known Osiriani, Ancient Osiriani) "Hmmm, what do what we have here..."

     From your vantage point viewing the desiccated stump flanked front of the mausoleum at an angle you see a carved stone head over the doors and beneath it carved hieroglyphs that translate to "Akhentepi: Hero and General to the Empire" and beneath this a set of dates which translate to the years 2416 AR and 2488 AR.  The side of the mausoleum that you can see from your current vantage point is carved with images of soldiers in ranks but no other hieroglyphs.

[info]Perception Check on the entrance, see if there is anything else interesting or potentially dangerous before we head in.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 14 + 4, total 18[/blockquote][/info]

As the walk had progresses, Alaya had seemed to grow a bit restless with no signs of any creatures roaming the streets.  After parting ways with the Bronze Eagles, encouraging them to call out if they ran into any trouble and she would be there as soon as she could if she heard them, she walked onward, strapping her shield on.  As the mausoleum draws close, she seems to regain a bit of vigor, and quickly approaches.  Standing in front of the doors, she briefly looks them over, noting any particular religious iconography. 
[info]Perception check if it's required for investigating any religious symbols.[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+1 : 11 + 1, total 12[/blockquote]
Knowledge Religion to interpret anything she finds.  [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 14 + 6, total 20[/blockquote][/info]
"Perhaps Omar and I should be in front.  I'll do my best to protect you all from any dangers we find in there," she says, waiting, not entirely patiently by the door for the others to come over. 

[info]Perception (Sehra)
From where you stand you see nothing out of the ordinary beyond the sand that has piled over the years against the stone slabs that stands as doors for the mausoleum.

Perception/Knowledge: Religion (Alaya)
As you stand before the mausoleum's stone doors you are able to see figures carved into recesses next to the carved face which sits above the doors.  Within these recesses you see jackal headed statues which you are able to identify as those of Anubis: an ancient Osirian god of burials and mummification whose worship has waned in the modern day.[/info]

Buragan and I fall in line behind Alaya, hoping that we are prepared for whatever awaits us. As she walks up, she turns over and says "Noland, perhaps you should examine the doors, you never know if surprises were left for anyone who might want to inspect the long dead".

"Sure let me take a look at the doors."Noland steps ahead of everyone to exam the doors.

[info]rolling perception on the doors
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+5 : 3 + 5, total 8[/blockquote][/info]

[info]*As a side note as we go along ill be drawing a map of the tomb for my side quest. The reason the team will get from me is to have a map to the exit if we need a fast exit.[/info]

[info]Perception
     Looking over the stone slabs from the sand piled against them you note no obvious handles or hinges.
You do notice that the doors appear to have been sealed with mortar, likely never intended to have been opened after the mausoleum was built so many years ago.  [/info]

Omar walks over to Sahra and Noland  "Any one have any ideas on how we should go about getting in this place? Otherwise I can try to brute force it. But I would rather save that for a last resort if anyone has any other ideas." Omar then steps over to the near by pillar to observe it [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+1 : 12 + 1, total 13[/blockquote]

[info]Perception Check
The long dead tree which likely once stood as decoration for the mausoleum stands desiccated before you.  The sands of the small dune you stand on are piled against the side nearest you while the other side bares the roots of the long dead tree to the elements, a hole in the otherwise smooth windswept pile formed by the roots of the tree.[/info]

Sehra kneels down before the hole and calls over Buragan "Any signs of life, or the lack thereof down there?"

[info]Tracking Check (Animal Companion)
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 8 + 6, total 14[/blockquote][/info]

     Buragan appears to sniff the sand and paws slightly at the entrance to the hole before turning around and slinking down the dune, apparently on the trail of something.  They walk a number of steps south before turning around to look for Sehra's consent to continue onward.

Lydia sighs and walks up to the door, examining the stone and running her hands across it. Searching for any easy way to open it, or a spot where the structure is weak enough to break the seal.

[info] Perception check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 17 + 6, total 23[/blockquote]
[/info]

"Looks like he may be on to something, I shall follow" Sehra says as she beginning to follow, turning back to the party as she goes, "Keep an eye out."
[info]
Stealth Check; probably unnecessarily, but done more in a sense to be careful than to be quiet.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 2 + 7, total 9[/blockquote][/info]

Sehra
     Buragan leads the way, weaving between graves and mausoleums as the two of you begin to make your way through the graveyard.   Several plots later, Buragan is continuing along with no signs of stopping as you move farther and farther away from the tomb of Akhentepi.  You approach the edge of the graveyard when you run into a troupe of pharasman acolytes, armed and armored in gear bearing the sign of Pharasma.  They look over at you and your animal companion.  The leader looks at you and then looks around for anyone else before speaking.  "You, nomad, what are you doing in the necropolis?"


Lydia/Rest of the Party
[info]Perception
You notice that the doors appear to be built on concealed hinges and are designed to swing outward.  Further, as you examine the mortar which seals the doors, you notice the telltale tool marking of a crowbar or a similar instrument which was applied to the doors some time ago.  Regardless, it appears that the sand piled against the door will need to be removed in order to proceed into the tomb.[/info]

Jolted into to awareness by the Pharasman patrol, I look to them and say "Hello, I am Sehra Teraneva with the Company of the New Dawn, we were tasked with the investigation of the Tomb of Akhentepi." I show my armband with the companies logo on it (OOC: Note 1) "While we were finding our way inside my pet caught wind of something, and in my determination to follow, it appears that I have let him lead me much further away from the Tomb than I had intended. With your leave, I should return to the rest of the company."

[info]Note 1: I imagine as established group we would have some sort of banner or standard to identify ourselves?[/info]

Sehra
     The lead pharasman looks to one of the other acolytes who looks at a scroll before nodding back.  "Well then you've wandered a bit far from your site.  I would recommend you return to your party, both to observe the laws of the expedition and for your own safety.  We received word that some of the other parties have come into conflict only to draw out some of the undead into the daylight.  It would be ill advised to wander the dead city alone.  Now, if you'll excuse us."  The acolytes turn and take their leave, continuing east down the quiet streets.

I nod in approval to them and reign Buragan in to return to the party, I lean into him and say "I'm sure there was something interesting you were on the trail of, but they are right, there are worse things to be found here than in the desert, where we were both born to survive. Now..." I say getting back to my feet "let us return to our comrades, the need us as much as we need them."

Omar walks back over to the door, "Welp I guess if anyone has a shovel or something to help dig I am going to get started on removing this sand from the door." Omar pulls out his warhammer and starts using is similar to a rake to start removing the sand from the door way



[info]If there is any rolls you want me to do I can add them in[/info]

While Omar starts to clear the sand from the door, Noland wonders if the door has any traps attached to it. He doesn't want to get injured before they start the search into the crypt.

[info]Trapfinding perception check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 1 + 6, total 7[/blockquote][/info]

     It takes almost two hours of everyone pitching in to excavate the entrance without any tools and by the time the doors and an appropriate area for them to swing out are cleared of sand the heat of the day has truly set in.  This is worsened by the manual labor and before you know it the heat begins to take its toll.

[info]Everyone make fortitude saves to resist the heat, those wearing heavy armor take a -4 penalty.  Alternatively, you may make attempts to offset the heat through ingenuity (results not guarenteed).[/info]

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+5 : 10 + 5, total 15[/blockquote] Sweat rolls from Omar's body as the digging goes longer and the day hotter. To try and keep some what cool he removes his armored coat and empties his waterskin on himself through out the excavation. "Next time we should be a think about this moment when we are back in town and get some proper excavation equipment." Omar jokes with the crew as they dig up the doorway.


[info]If endurance counts towards this add plus 4 to the result of the roll. Also after the doorway is clear I put back on my Armored Coat[/info]

Lydia dumps some of the water from her waterskin over her head while watching Omar dig with his hammer. She concentrates on her waterskin and with a few quick words and motions, it is full once more. "Anyone need some water?

[info] fortitude save
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 11 + 6, total 17[/blockquote]

Alaya straps her shield back onto her arm after having used it to help clear the sand from the door.  Wiping her brow, she stands, dusting off her clothes and looks at the other members of the group.  "Yes, perhaps something a little more meant for the job than our armor and weapons would be nice.  As it is, we'll have to make due though.  It'd be a waste of time to go back. I'm sure we can figure our way through any other problems that arise."
Turning to look at the Undine, Alaya smiles. "Always impressive to see your power here. It is truly a great gift to be able to conjure water here under the scorching suns of this land.  I would gladly take some if you are willing." 
[info]Fortitude Save [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 13 + 7, total 20[/blockquote][/info]

After a great deal of exhaustion I say quietly to Buragan "Perhaps I should have kept following you."

[info]Fortitude Save
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 14 + 4, total 18[/blockquote][/info]

After digging the sand noland wipes the sweat off his face
[info]fortitude save from heat
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+1 : 7 + 1, total 8[/blockquote][/info]

     Your work finishes and you now all stand before the cleared doors after digging down to the hard earth which once was the original surface of the graveyard.  The sun grows ever more oppressive as the cool air of the morning grows ever more distant.

[info]Nolan takes 1 point of non-lethal damage from the heat[/info]

As sun heats Noland up he states "Now with the door cleared can we get out of this sun please." Noland looks at Omar hoping his strength can get this door up quickly.

"Yeah probably wise to get get inside sooner rather then later. Let's just hope that its cooler in there then it is out here. But before we head in everyone should make sure they have water light and any gear they might need for when we are inside."

Omar walks over to his horse and digs around and pulls out puts half of his rope into his backpack

"And someone should get Sahra's attention before we leave her behind."

"I must still have some of the mornings coffee in my system for you to not notice me here, perhaps you are developing desert fever? Wait, no, desert fever usually causes the opposite reaction ... anyways, I believe we are well stocked on water thanks to Lydia, hopefully we have all of the other supplies we need once inside." I wipe my brow and continue, "I think we may not have checked with each other on our personal supplies well enough for this venture."

as the door is opening Noland steps back from the frontlines behind Omar. "Hey guys, I'm going to stay behind the big guy."  Noland gets ready to stealth,
[info]stealth check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 19 + 7, total 26[/blockquote][/info]

Omar looks around "sorry yeah it must be a bit of the heat getting to me but I will be fine." Omar takes a small drink from his backpack. "If everyone is ready I am going to start in to the tomb. GOD I cant wait to see what is in here!

Lydia looks at the door and squeezes past the rest of the group frustrated. She gets a firm grip on the door and starts to pull.

"Okay enough dilly dallying, let's get this door open. Give me a hand."

Omar reaches to help Lydia open the door into the tomb. "Hey let me help you with that." When we head start inside I will take point as a heads up everyone" After the door opens Omar reaches down to his lantern and turns it on then reaches to wield his shield and his scimitar.

     With some work you're able to pull the stone slab back on its hinges to gain entry to the mausoleum.  The light spilling in from the outside is more than enough to illuminate the interior, revealing walls painted with various scenes and engraved with osirian hieroglyphs.  Across from the doors is a large circular stone slab engraved with the spiral of Pharasma sits resting on the opposite wall flanked by nearly floor to ceiling carvings of some jackal headed being (Alaya recognizes these as the same figure with smaller carvings on the exterior and can identify them to be Anubis).  Dust glitters in the sun's rays, disturbed by the slightest breeze flowing past you into the room.

"It looks to be an antechamber, most likely for those who wished to visit whoever was buried here."  Alaya says as she enters into the tomb.  "There's not likely to be terribly much within here, as it was more than likely not used for much more than entering and brief visits.  Anything that we would need would likely be farther in, past this slab.  But maybe it's best to make sure."
Alaya intones a small prayer and her eyes flash gold as she scans the room, and approaches the circular slab on the far wall.
[info]Using detect evil, just briefly sweeping the room unless anything pings, in which case that would get some more investigation, and then walking to the slab and seeing if there's anything on the other side obviously evil.[/info]

[info]Alaya
You note no evil auras within your "field of view."  (Side note: they aren't specific as to the alignment of Anubis, for now I'm going with LN unless new information arises.  Your character would know this from your Religion checks earlier.)[/info]

Noland notices Alaya walking into the tomb, he slowly walks in looking at everything.
[info]Perception check of the chamber with stonecunning (+2) and trapfinding (+1) added in
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 6 + 8, total 14[/blockquote][/info]

Omar looks around in wonder of the markings on the wall "Anyone have any idea what these mean?" Omar pointing at the Hieroglyphs. "if any of these is important let me know and I will write it down in my journal otherwise I am going to head into the next room." Omar proceeds to the doors and awaits a response.

[info]Nolan
     You don't notice any abnormalities in the stonework of the antechamber beyond a track along the back wall which the round stone portcullis rests in.  It will take some strength to roll the heavy stone slab, perhaps not as easy to open as the outer doors. [/info]

Noland slow moves towards the tracks to take a closer look at them. Noland waves to the rest of the team, then proceeds to point out the tracks to Omar and Alaya. Noland whispers "Hey you two there's tracks here for this round stone. Hopefully your combined strength possibly could open it"

"Tracks you say? Well I suppose it couldn't hurt to try and turn or move this stone." Omar walks over to the stone and attempts to move it by himself.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 20 + 3, total 23[/blockquote]

     Omar is unable to open the door alone, despite his best attempts.  The stone continues to block the way.

Omar strains and grunts as he tries to open the door. "It's no use I can't get this open. If some others could lend me a hand perhaps we can get it open." Omar steps back for a quick breather as he waits on some help.

Noland walks over while watching Omar struggle with the stone."Hey Omar let me help and lets see if it will open with the two of us or do we need Alaya's help too"
[info]Strength check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+1 : 5 + 1, total 6[/blockquote][/info]

Struggling with the door a second time. "Yeah definitely going to need a third set of hands to open this thing."

"I know it will not be much I shall assist the best I can."

[info]Strength check to Aid Another
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+1 : 4 + 1, total 5[/blockquote][/info]

Alaya removes her pack, placing it on the floor and takes off her shield.  "I'm sure Omar appreciates the help, but I think this may fall a bit more under my set of skills," she says, pushing her sleeves up a bit as she steps forward and grasps the stone disc. 
[info]Strength check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 14 + 3, total 17[/blockquote][/info]

     Together, Alaya and Omar are able to push the stone down its track, opening the way.  After rolling the stone back enough to allow someone to easily cross the threshold, you find that the stone is designed to roll back into place blocking the passage.  While it should not be hard for a single person to hold the stone in place, left alone it would close behind the party and once again require effort to open.
     The room beyond is dimly lit by the ambient light spilling into the antechamber but the general features are easily seen.  Unlike the antechamber, this room is devoid of decoration, ancient dust covers the solid stone floor which is very well constructed, so well constructed that it appears as if the floor is all carved from a single stone.  In the middle of the room is a square hole also perfect in its carving except for a single piton pounded into the near edge of the hole.  The walls are smooth and devoid of any carvings, paintings, or hieroglyphs as the antechamber is.

After watching the team work together to open the second door Lydia examined the stone and nearby wall to see if there was a mechanism in place to keep it open. "We may want to try to find a way to keep this door open. If we need to make a quick escape it would not be good to run back into a closed door."

[info] Perception to try to find either a mechanism that will keep the door open or some loose rubble/stone near by that would be large enough to do the job.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 8 + 6, total 14[/blockquote]
[/info]

[info]Perception check
     There does not appear to be any mechanism you can find that might keep the stone in place and both the antechamber and the inner room appear to be devoid of anything beyond ancient dust and the single piton hammered into the edge of the square shaft.[/info]

Omar digs around in his backpack to see if he has anything to keep the door open."I wish I had something to leave this door propped open but sadly that is not the case. Any one got any ideas or should we just chance it and close it behind us?" Omar double checks his pack again but the results are the same.

"The only idea I have is let me scout ahead but I rather not get stuck in that room if you guys lose your grip on the stone."  Noland peers into the next room.
[info]Perception check with stonecunning and trap finding (I also have dark vision)
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 4 + 8, total 12[/blockquote]
[/info]

[info]Perception check
The room is bare, there are no murals or carvings on the walls.  The only feature to the room is the square shaft in the middle of the room with a lone piton driven into the stone close to the near edge.  You are unable to see anything else from your current vantage point.[/info]

After stepping into that next room then Noland steps back out."After looking into the next room we need to keep this stone open for "safety" so give me a sec to possibly figure something out."
[info]Knowledge duneoneering roll
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 20 + 8, total 28[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Knowledge (Dungeoneering)
You could go outside and find a decently sized rock to wedge into the portcullis track. [/info]

After thinking about the problem."Hey Omar please go outside and grab a large rock so we can wedge it into the track to keep the stone open."

"I suppose that will could work. Let me see if I can find something large enough to wedge in there. Omar puts his pack back on and walks to the entrance of the tomb and scans the area to see if he can spot something in the area that could be large enough to hold the door while they go deeper in the tomb.

[info]Unsure if needed so just in case... Looking for Stone [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+1 : 5 + 1, total 6[/blockquote]      Carrying stone if found [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 5 + 3, total 8[/blockquote][/info]

     You are able to find a decently sized rock outside and have no trouble wedging it into the track for the portcullis.  The door is now securely open.

Alays rolls her shoulders as she steps away from the now wedged open door.  "Well, now that that
s solved, let's see what we have here."  She walks over to the hole and leans over.  "Guess the only way onwards is down there.  Can someone pass me a torch so we can see when we get see when we get down there?  I'd rather drop that than a sun rod, on the off chance there's anything foul waiting at the bottom for us."  Having grabbed her backpack, she begins to tie the rope from it onto the pitton as she waits for a torch.

"Sure Alaya I've got a couple of sunrods"Noland pulls one of his sunrods out of his backpack. and activates it, he proceeds to drop it down it the darkness in front of him. "Hope this give you guys enough light to see."  

     The sunrod tumbles down the perfectly straight shaft eventually landing approximately 70 feet down.  You think you might be able to see something down at the bottom of the shaft next to where the sunrod has landed but you're not sure.

[info]Perception Checks for those looking down the shaft[/info]

As the sunrod hits bottom. Noland observes the bottom of the shaft.

[info]perception check with stone cunning and trapfinding
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 6 + 8, total 14[/blockquote]
[/info]

"Well, that will do I suppose, not sure if my rope by itself is long enough."  Alaya leans over as well, looking down to the bottom of the shaft as the sun rod drops. 
[info]Perception[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+1 : 15 + 1, total 16[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Perception Checks (Same result for both)
You are unsure what you see down at the bottom of the shaft next to the sunrod.  Perhaps it is only shadows but you can not tell from the distance you are at.[/info]

"Looks like someone will have to actually climb down the hole to see what's down there I cant seem to make anything out at the bottom either. And if there are no takers to go down I suppose I could." Omar begins to check his gear to prepare himself for potentially climbing down into the unknown of the tomb.

"I'll go.  After all, this is a tomb, and should we find anything unliving down there, I'm best equipped to handle it."  Alaya begins to tie her silk rope to the piton, and takes a section of Omars rope as well.  "Probably best that one of the two of us stay up here until last though, so they can help pull anyone up if they need to.  I'll leave my pack up here, lower it down when I get down there."  Checking that both the knots and the piton seem secure, she stands back up and smiles at the group.  "Well, let's get down to some heroics shall we?"  She says as she begins the descent into the depths.
[info]Climb Check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 12, total 12[/blockquote][/info]

     You make it down to the bottom of the shaft, finding that as you near the bottom, the shaft gives way to a free-fall for 10 feet where it opens up into a larger room.  The shadows you saw at the bottom of the shaft appear to have merely been a length of rope, decades old by the looks of it.  One end is frayed as if snapped, the other you are able to follow to see it tied to the waist of a skeleton slumped against the doors to the west, its flesh long rotted away, and its clothing frayed and ancient.  A small bag lies under the skeletal arm, gripped by the long dead man.

[info]Since you're out of combat, we will handle the descent as a single climb check for anyone trying to climb down the rope.

Knowledge: Nature or Heal check to determine the fate of the dead man if you so choose.[/info]

Alaya yells up, "I made it.  Looks like we aren't the first ones to have come down here.  There's a dead man down here.  Might have fallen.  I'll take a look."
[info]Heal Check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 1 + 4, total 5[/blockquote][/info]

After Alaya yelled she made it. Noland states "I'll go down next but I'm not very good with heights." Noland does a quick laugh at his comment, then begins the descent down.

[info]climb check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+1 : 19 + 1, total 20[/blockquote]
[/info]

Lydia decided it was time for her to go. She didn't want to be the last one down. She looked to her mule. "Sorry buddy, it looks like you might need to wait up here. Not sure how we can get you down. She approached the hole, looking down to the bottom. The ones that had gone down the rope seemed to be safe.

"OK I'm coming down next!

[info] Climb Check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20-1 : 16 - 1, total 15[/blockquote]
[/info]

[info]Roll initiative everybody

Sehra, roll perception for your animal companion[/info]

[info]According to https://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/animals/felines/cat-great/lynx-tohc/ (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/animals/felines/cat-great/lynx-tohc/) my animal companion weighs from 20-40 pounds, if it was not an animal companion, but it seems the rules for an animal companion version of an animal are usually different than a beastiary version?[/info]

[info]Initiative Roll
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+2 : 9 + 2, total 11[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Animal Companion Perception Check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+2 : 16 + 2, total 18[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Perception Check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 8 + 4, total 12[/blockquote][/info]

[info] initiative check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 7 + 3, total 10[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Initiative
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 16, total 16[/blockquote]
Perception
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+1 : 16 + 1, total 17[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Perception [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+1 : 10 + 1, total 11[/blockquote]
Initiative[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 10 + 3, total 13[/blockquote] [/info]

[info]Initiative
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 13 + 4, total 17[/blockquote]
[/info]

Omar, Sehra
     The two of you hear a hiss and a yowl behind you as a three foot long scorpion, apparently wandering in from outside, strikes at Buragan with a speed that the cat is only barely able to react to.

Lydia
     You are halfway down the rope (35 feet) when you begin to hear a commotion back at the top of the rope.

Alaya and Noland
     As Alaya investigates the remains, unable to figure a cause of death for the long dead corpse, the two of you begin to hear the faint sound of something happening at the top of the shaft.

[info]Scorpion attacks vs Flat Footed AC of Buragan
Claw Attack[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 8 + 4, total 12[/blockquote]
     Damage[blockquote]Rolled 1d3 : 1, total 1[/blockquote]
Claw Attack[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 11 + 4, total 15[/blockquote]
     Damage[blockquote]Rolled 1d3 : 1, total 1[/blockquote]
Sting Attack (Make a Fortitude save if this hits)[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 2 + 4, total 6[/blockquote]
     Damage[blockquote]Rolled 1d3 : 1, total 1[/blockquote][/info]

[warning]Turn Order
Current: Scorpion

Lydia
Alaya
Scorpion
Sehra
Omar
Noland[/warning]

Lydia hears the commotion above and starts to climb back up the rope taking care to avoid falling.

[info] climbing back up at 1/4 speed
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20-1 : 3 - 1, total 2[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20-1 : 3 - 1, total 2[/blockquote]
[/info]

     You are unable to make progress up the rope.

[warning]Current: Alaya

Scorpion
Sehra
Omar
Noland
Lydia[/warning]

Alaya quickly walks back over to the base of the rope and looks up.  "Everything all right up there?"

     The scorpion hisses and continues its attack on Buragan, swinging its claws and whipping out with its tail.

[info]Claw Attack[blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 10, total 10[/blockquote]
     Damage[blockquote]Rolled 1d3 : 2, total 2[/blockquote]
Claw Attack[blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 20, total 20[/blockquote]
     Damage[blockquote]Rolled 1d3 : 1, total 1[/blockquote]
Stinger Attack (Make a Fortitude save if this hits)[blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 9, total 9[/blockquote]
     Damage[blockquote]Rolled 1d3 : 3, total 3[/blockquote][/info]

[warning]Current: Sehra

Omar
Noland
Lydia
Scorpion
Alaya[/warning]

[info]Critical Threat[blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 6, total 6[/blockquote]
     Additional Damage[blockquote]Rolled 1d3 : 3, total 3[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Sorry made an error with the turn order.[/info]
[warning]Current: Sehra

Omar
Noland
Lydia
Alaya
Scorpion[/warning]

[info]Surprise Round Actions http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Actions-In-Combat (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Actions-In-Combat)
    Standard or Move
     Sehra - Draw Meteor Hammer
     Buragan - Bite Attack
    Full-round
    Swift
    Immediate
    Free[/info]

[info]Buragan Bite Attack
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+2 : 5 + 2, total 7[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Buragan Bite Damage
[blockquote]Rolled 1d4+1 : 3 + 1, total 4[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Shouldn't Buragan have been able to detect the scorpion coming? He has the scent http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/special-abilities#TOC-Scent (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/special-abilities#TOC-Scent) ability, or does that require an action to use? Or was it because the scorpion upon entrance and thus we were still so close to the door that it could still surprise him?[/info]

     Buragan tries to strike back against the scorpion but is unable to land an attack.

[warning]Current: Omar

Noland
Lydia
Alaya
Scorpion
Sehra[/warning]

"Oh my god how has such a large beast manage to get the jump on us!" Omar turns to face the scorpion and draws his scimitar.

"Well here goes nothing NO HOLDING BACK! Omar takes a heavy slash at the monster

[info]Attacking with a Power attack [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 9 + 3, total 12[/blockquote][/info]

Damage Roll- [info][blockquote]Rolled 1d6+5 : 6 + 5, total 11[/blockquote][/info]

     The blow connects, cutting into the scorpion's chitinous body.  It turns to Omar, hissing and waving its claws to ward him off.

[warning]Current: Noland

Lydia
Alaya
Scorpion
Sehra
Omar[/warning]

Noland hears Omar hit something, he turns to Alaya "It sounds like they are fighting something up there. Maybe we should look around this room" Noland takes a 5-ft away from the rope to clear the way for the next person.
[info]Perception check of this room
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 8 + 8, total 16[/blockquote][/info]

     The chamber is empty with nothing but the corpse slumped against the doors to the West occupying the room.  The walls of the chamber are carved with simple ornamentation depicting the River Sphinx and the doors leading out are each carved with an identical figure wearing padded armor and bearing a khopesh and scarab-shaped shield.  You otherwise notice nothing out of the ordinary about the room.

[warning]Current: Lydia

Alaya
Scorpion
Sehra
Omar
Noland[/warning]

Lydia sighs and continues to attempt climbing the rope.
[info]Climbing at 1/4th speed
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20-1 : 2 - 1, total 1[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20-1 : 11 - 1, total 10[/blockquote]
[/info]

     Lydia is able to make some progress up the shaft while the scorpion swings its claws and lashes out with its tail against Omar.

[info]Lydia progresses 7.5 feet up the rope.

Scorpion: Full Attack all against Omar
Claw Attack[blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 5, total 5[/blockquote]     Damage[blockquote]Rolled 1d3 : 1, total 1[/blockquote]Claw Attack[blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 1, total 1[/blockquote]     Damage[blockquote]Rolled 1d3 : 2, total 2[/blockquote]Stinger Attack (make a fortitude save if this hits)[blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 4, total 4[/blockquote]     Damage[blockquote]Rolled 1d3 : 2, total 2[/blockquote][/info]

[warning]Current: Sehra

Omar
Noland
Lydia
Alaya
Scorpion[/warning]

"No!  If they're in danger, then we should be trying to help them," Alaya replies, grasping the rope.  "I'm going back up."
[info]Climb
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 10, total 10[/blockquote]
Climb
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 5, total 5[/blockquote][/info]

     Alaya is able to get 10 feet up the rope, making it into the shaft proper.

[warning]Current: Sehra

Omar
Noland
Lydia
Alaya
Scorpion[/warning]

[info]Round Actions: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Actions-In-Combat (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Actions-In-Combat)
Standard or Move
     Sehra - Attack
Full-round
     Buragan - Full Attack
Swift
Immediate
Free
No Action
     Sehra - After Attack, 5-Foot Step, one square left
     Buragan - Before Full Attack, 5-Foot Step, one square right[/info]

[info]Sehra's Attack
Attack [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+1 : 9 + 1, total 10[/blockquote]
Damage [blockquote]Rolled 1d8+1 : 4 + 1, total 5[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Buragan's Full Attack
Claw Attack 1 [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+2 : 14 + 2, total 16[/blockquote]
Damage [blockquote]Rolled 1d3+1 : 2 + 1, total 3[/blockquote]
Claw Attack 2 [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+2 : 11 + 2, total 13[/blockquote]
Damage [blockquote]Rolled 1d3+1 : 3 + 1, total 4[/blockquote]
Bite [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+2 : 2 + 2, total 4[/blockquote]
Damage [blockquote]Rolled 1d4+1 : 2 + 1, total 3[/blockquote][/info]

     The scorpion dodges to the right, easily avoiding the meteor hammer's strike, only to be set upon by Buragan.  The cat's claws easily making work of the wounded vermin.  The scorpion sprays ichor from its wound and flips onto its back, letting out a final hiss which slowly ends as it flails with its claws and legs, its death throes too weak and misdirected to pose any threat.

[info]Combat has ended.  Everyone gains 40 xp each.[/info]

"Ok guys now that this big scorpion has been dealt with I suppose its time I finally make it down the hole and we continue checking this place out." Omar breathes a sigh of relief sheathes his weapon and begins to make his descent down the shaft.

[info]Climb Check [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 15 + 3, total 18[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Climb Check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20-1 : 3 - 1, total 2[/blockquote]

Reflex Save
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+2 : 12 + 2, total 14[/blockquote][/info]

Second Attempt
[info]Climb Check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20-1 : 1 - 1, total 0[/blockquote]

Reflex Save
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+2 : 12 + 2, total 14[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Climb Check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20-1 : 1 - 1, total 0[/blockquote][/info]

"Oh God dont worry Sehra I got you!" Omar exclaims as he realizes his ally is falling from the rope above him. Omar reaches out to make a quick save.

[info]Touch Attack to save Serah- [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 4 + 4, total 8[/blockquote]
Climb Check- [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 13 + 3, total 16[/blockquote][/info]

Lydia looks up as she hears the commotion above her. Glad to have her own feet on solid ground, she sees Sehra falling after losing her grip on the rope. Without a second thought, she blasted a stream of water upwards in an attempt to slow her companion's fall.

[info] Using the spell Hydraulic Push (can use 1x a day as Undine)

Bullrush attempt from the stream of water on Sehra using caster level + wisdom

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 7 + 3, total 10[/blockquote]
[/info]

In her head Sehra says a prayer, hoping that this works... (OOC: Note 1)

[info]OOC: Note 1
SO DO FUCKING I!!![/info]

[info]Acrobatics Check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 16 + 6, total 22[/blockquote][/info]

     The water gushes forth slowing Sehra's decent enough to allow her to barely catch herself and land in a manner that barely resembled safe.  Immediate upon hitting the bottom of the shaft Buragan, who had been howling all the way down the fall and had leaped off of Sehra's back just before impact, skittered off to the corner, wet and very irritated with her companion.

[info]Fall damage[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 2, total 2[/blockquote][/info]

Once everyone makes it down the climb, Noland asks Sehra if she is alright. Then asks what attacked them. Noland's attention gets reverted back to the carving on the doors of the figure wearing padded armor.

[info]Knowledge local check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 1 + 8, total 9[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Knowledge (Local)
     Something about the carving is familiar but you can't remember the figure off the top of your head. [/info]

[info]Current HP/Max HP: 8/10

Prepared Spells:
Level 0 (3) - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Stabilize
Level 1 (2) - Cure Light Wounds, Entangle

May spontaneously cast Summon Nature's Ally I as a replacement for a Level 1 Spell slot[/info]

Sehra sits along the wall, with a still racing heart and quite embarassed, collecting her thoughts after her harrowing, nearly fatal incident, watching as Buragan angrily attempts to clean himself. She gets into her pack and collects a coffee bean and places it in her mouth, then, upon Noland checking on her, she picks herself up, puts on a smile and says "I will be fine, but I do appreciate your concern." She then looks over to Lydia and says "And thank you very much for the assist, I may be shaken, but at least that means I'm still moving". She then says to the whole party "I am ready to move on when you are".

"Sorry i couldnt get a hold of you Sehra during the fall but at least you are seem to be one piece.  Omar looks around the room hoping to see if he could avoid what happened in the room above. Thinking to himself, "How did that scorpion manage to sneak in behind us? Cant risk something like that happening as we get deeper down in this tomb."

[info]Perception check- [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+1 : 5 + 1, total 6[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Perception
     Beyond the shaft you have descended and the doors to the West, there appears to be no other way into or out of the room you are in.  Beyond centuries of dust and the corpse slumped against the doors, the room is bare.[/info]

Well thankfully everyone is in good shape. This room is starting to feel small we should move on.  Noland starts to walk towards the doors. Should the cat take lead or should it be the last to detour anything sneaking up on us again?

"I hope both of you are all right.  I really need to work on properly channeling this healing power.  I've been told it makes people feel better, but I think it's mostly just the belief that a God is watching them, I haven't actually closed any wounds yet.  I'd be happy to do so, of course, just... don't expect too much,"  Alaya looks down and slightly dejected with that last comment, but perks up slightly when the suggestion of pressing onwards is made. "I'll take point.  No sense in getting those who are already injured any further.  Besides, I know most of you have keener sense than I do.  I can take whatever comes to us in front if you all can watch my back."
[info]If knowledge religion gives any more insight into the carved figure
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 14 + 6, total 20[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Knowledge (Religion)
     The figure does not appear to be anyone of religious significance that you know of.[/info]

Omar follows up behind Alaya, "Hey NoIand switch me places I will follow right next to Alaya just in case something happens on the other side of the door so we can at the very least try to form some sort of wall to protect the others." Omar draws his shield and warhammer and starts to open the door once he is in position

     The skeletal remains slump over and fall apart, barely held together by the rotted clothing and the bag it was holding falls onto its side with a faint clink as the door swings inward.  The hall beyond is only partially illuminated by the sunrod lying on the floor, casting dark shadowy silhouettes of the party halfway down the hall, the rest being only dimly lit.  The walls are carved in bas relief depicting a great battle.  One of the armies appears to be headed by a man wearing the same padded armor and bearing the scarab shield of the door's carving but they appear to be older, and in seeing this carving they become a missing link between the young man of the door and the elderly face carved onto the exterior of the mausoleum itself: it is Akhentepi himself, middle aged in this new carving.

"Woah I wonder what all of these carvings are about! Omar exclaims as he cautiously looks around enters the new room. Omar also reaches for his lantern and turns it on to help see better as we get deeper into this tomb. "Seems safe if you guys want to come in." Omar notices the skeleton and bag on the other side of the door and starts to investigate it.



[info]Assuming we actually see the corpse if not ignore it
Perception to check the skeleton and bag- [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+1 : 9 + 1, total 10[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Perception
     The skeletal corpse is as still and lifeless as it was for when the first members of your party arrived in the room, albeit now partially dissembled from falling into the hallway.[/info]

"Well seems like this bag is safe." Omar reaches down picks up the bag and searches the inside of it.

     The leather of the bag is cracked and partially rotted but still managed to stay relatively intact.  Inside you find two somewhat rusted but still serviceable climbing pitons, a hammer in similar shape, and two flasks of alchemist's fire.  The rest of the bags contents rotted to dust long ago.

Alright Omar. Yea its a good idea to have you two in the front. Noland follows Omar in to the next room.

[info]Perception check of the room Omar and Noland are in.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 2 + 8, total 10[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Perception
     There does not appear to be anything out of the ordinary in the hallway beyond the errant skull of the desicated corpse having rolled a few feet in.  A trail in the ancient dust cut by the skull follows it's path.  It would appear they had not yet entered this hall before their demise judging by the otherwise uniform lay of the dust.  [/info]

Omar looks at the items from the bag and proceeds to put them into his pack for later use. "Guys the room seems to be empty so feel free to come on in and take a look around."

"Something does not feel right here..." I say to the group.

[info]If possible Buragan and I try to scan the room one more time, though I get the feeling it is too late.[/info]

[info]Sehra 's Perception check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 3 + 4, total 7[/blockquote][/info]
[info]
Buragan's Perception check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+2 : 17 + 2, total 19[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Perception Check
     Neither you nor Buragan notice anything out of the ordinary about the hallway.[/info]

Lydia enters the room behind her companions and walks along the southern wall. She runs her hand across the ancient stone, looking in wonder through clouds of dust as she makes her way towards the door. When she arrives at the door, she continues to examine it. "We should try to keep moving guys."

[info]perception as I walk across the room, and for the door as well.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 16 + 6, total 22[/blockquote]
[/info]

[info]perception
     You notice at the far end of the hall just in front of the next set of doors that a fine line of dust that would indicate the last stone slabs being slightly raised compared to the rest of the floor.  It looks to be too level to be the result of simple settling of the great stone slabs.[/info]

After examining everything, Lydia got down on her hands and knees before the last slabs. "The floor here seems different... I'm not sure if it means that they were built differently or if they're hiding something. Maybe one of you guys might be able to figure out something that i'm missing...?" It had been a while since she had gone someplace that felt truly historical and adventurous, and it was hard to contain her excitement.