Book 1 - Chapter 3: The City on the Hill

[Asta]

The map, once decoded and referenced with the book Cecilia bought at the festival, shows the location of a presumably long forgotten tomb. The name of the individual buried there isn't recognizable to any of you, and the clan to which he belonged no longer exists. The book does mention that he was a wizard in the service of some clan head, and was well known for his magics.

[Oath]

"I can't say for certain, but it seems to be the tomb of a powerful wizard, he was well known for his magics so who knows what kinds treasures would be buried with a wizard of such stature. I believe it is definitely an endeavor beneficial to us, if not for the knowledge, the potential of coin to further our other pursuits." She was nervous at first, but regained her confidence quickly after starting to speak.

[pringerbeam]

     The wizard was right, as ignoble as it might be to loot the tomb of some dead wizard, the coin would be of help. He was in dire need of a fortune since his plans to acquire a title from the Righ were temporarily dashed. A properly luxurious gift would probably help his next petition. "Well then, let us make preparations and head out while the light is still good. To the markets? If we plan on plundering this dead wizard's tomb we might want to get some beasts of burden for the spoils."

Shopping list

For self
4x Elven Rations (8 gp)


Proposed party purchase
1x Light Wagon (50 gp)
2x Mules (16 gp)
Total 66 gp or 22 each

[Throndir]

When the proposed provisions were brought up, Rhenri offered up the coin needed.

"So, what y'all think about the chances the tomb is still ripe for the pickin'?" Rhenri asked, not really expecting an answer. If anything, if there were spoils still left, the dead had no need of them.

22 gp subtracted.

Also buying trail rations (7 days) for 5 sp each.

[Oath]

"Hard to say for sure, but if they were a wizard surely there is something that has been stashed away."

Cecelia also agreed to the extra provisions, and handed along her coin when needed.

A total of 24 gp subtracted. 22 for the group, 2 for 4 days of rations.

[Asta]

Assuming your preparations are made, we'll move forward. If you need anything else just make a note of it in your post.

"Wan 'opes. At laest somethin' worth the price of the map." Scathach remarks.


Once your preparations were complete you set out from the city, leaving through the west gate and following the somewhat vague directions the map provided. It takes about an hour of travel before the landmarks on the parchment begin to resemble what you can see in the vast open space that is the steppe, but eventually you arrive at something of an oddity in such a flat land: a sizable, low, mound of earth. Despite the mound being a distinguishing landmark it wouldn't be too hard for your casual passerby to overlook, a keen observer (or dedicated treasure hunter) though, would notice a small overgrown runestone near the foot of the rise.

[pringerbeam]

     Thedrin put his hands on his hips and surveyed the mound. "So this is it? A gravestone in the middle of nowhere?"

[Asta]

"Disappointin' if that were the case..." Scathach replied. "This big arse hill oot in the middle of nowhere is a bit odd though. We should take a look 'round."

Perception checks from anyone that plans to search for something interesting, or suspicious regarding the mound.

For reference the mound is roughly 100 feet in diameter and very nearly circular.

[Oath]

Cecilia walks around the mount, looking to see if anything stands out, her curiosity getting the better of her. "There has to  be something here, we just need to find it!"

Perception check

Rolled 1d20+1 : 17 + 1, total 18

[Throndir]

Perception 1d20+7 : 1 + 7, total 8

[Asta]

A search around the mound eventually reveals a small depression in the side of the earthwork, covered over with plant growth. After removing the vegetation, and moving some dirt that had piled up over time, a doorway reveals itself.

The stone door is canted backwards to fit the profile of the mound, likely to disguise its existence. On its face is carved a large circle, with three smaller circles aligned upon it forming an equilateral triangle. Inside the smaller circles are glyphs, each one distinct from the others. An additional small circle lies within the middle of the triangle, roughly in the center of the larger one. The center circle also bears a glyph, different from the other three.

"Any of you know what those mean?" Scathach says, eyeing the door.

Knowledge: History or Arcana can be used to potentially translate the glyphs. To a lesser extent, Spellcraft can be used as well.

[pringerbeam]

     "The etchings of a drunk hedge wizard?" Mused Thedrin as he stared, eyes glazed over from boredom, into the endless plains.

[Oath]

"Give me a moment, I'll see what I can do." Cecilia ran her hand over the runes on the door, looking at them with an intensity she had rarely shown.

Arcana.

Rolled 1d20+8 : 18 + 8, total 26

[Asta]

Cecilia's familiarity with arcane writing reveals that the marks are reference glyphs for an antiquated system of magic that organized arcane energies by color. Going clockwise starting from the top of the triangle they read Reudh (red), Ghel (yellow), and Bhel (blue). The center glyph, more complex than the others, reads "geoluhread".

When touching the door, Cecilia felt a faint energy coming from the markings.

[Oath]

Trying to figure out what could open the door, Cecilia runs her finger from the Reudh glyph to the Ghel glyph, hoping to feel any changes in magical energy.