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Post by greentongue on Oct 4, 2015 7:01:04 GMT -6
Once the urgency of preparing for the commission was out of the way, His Holiness Temple Priest Rodlan'ga departed and the partying kicked into full debauchery.
Wine and drugs not available back on the island were everywhere among the crowds of clan revelers.
Diver Hirtor was popular with the women and some men, due to the swelling from the poison.
The festivities continued until everyone passed out in piles of naked bodies from exhaustion. Huntsman Chodo had held his own. Showing that though he may now live with a different clan, he still could party with the best.
What seemed like way too early in the morning for most came and the members that had the morning chores staggered off to do them.
Soon Junior Priest Khivasha arrived with his entourage ready to begin the trek with Huruyan and Kumahl into the Tsu'urum (Underworld).
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Post by greentongue on Oct 9, 2015 5:45:03 GMT -6
Huruyan: Huruyan gathers up the few things he needs and announces he is ready to depart. The few things include his spear, knife, some small nets to hold items, and his boots
Kumahl: Kumahl's equipment check has him looking for the Helm and its associated hoses and parts. He also checks on his Helm of Distant Communication, so that he and Huruyan can stay in touch. Last of the unique items, the divers vest for Huruyan.
While he is gathering his tools and ropes and a dozen waterskins, Kumahl asks Grujung, "Huntsman Chodo, did he return to his clan this morning? He would be the only other addition to this commission that I would have recommended."
Looking to the Priest of Chegarra, "Brother Kvivasha, thank you for allowing me to help with your Order's concerns. I will do everything possible to facilitate the restoration of your shrine, from outside its walls. I would not want to defile its sanctity to you, your Order, or Chegarra."
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Post by greentongue on Oct 9, 2015 5:45:28 GMT -6
Senior Most Diver Uchang was assisted to where Kumahl was assembling the gear. His attendants also brought the equipment that were part of the "Helm of Walking Among Fish".
To Huruyan it looked like a Chlen hide helm with a glass face plate that attached to a Chlen hide suit. There were two bulky tubes that attached to the Helm rolled up in piles beside it along with a float.
Senior Most Diver Uchang quizzed Kumahl about the operation of the Helm to assume himself that Kumahl knew how to use it.
Uchang was pleased to find that not only did Kumahl know how to use it, he also knew how to make all but the face plate.
A similar ballast vest that Kumahl had drawn was part of the Helm already. It didn't take long to gather the spare parts to make one for Huruyan.
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Post by greentongue on Oct 9, 2015 5:46:45 GMT -6
Clan Accountant Grujung: "Huntsman Chodo had his own duties to attend to and thanked you for sharing the festivities with him."
"He said that his wife's clan is more restrained in their celebrations and he enjoyed the chance to join our's."
"He wishes you success on your endeavor and hopes it gains you glory."
Junior Priest Khivasha: "This shrine is not so holy that only a Chegarra worshiper may enter."
"As you worship one of the Tlomitlanyal (Lords of Good/Stability), of course your presence will not defile the sanctity of this shrine."
"I'm afraid that you will need to enter the shrine at some point because we have done all we could from outside to no avail."
"From what we can tell there remain traces of Sarku there but as the dead don't breathe, that is not surprising."
"Divination has been baffled by some sort of continuing interference that causes those probing to also stop breathing."
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Post by greentongue on Oct 9, 2015 5:49:25 GMT -6
Kumahl: "Brother Uchang, we shall converse on building another Helm or two after this commission is complete. Thanks for entrusting its use to me at this time."
"Brother Grujung, I did not give my thanks to Huntsman Chodo. Would you please, on behalf of myself and Huntsman Huruyan, send a letter of thanks. We would welcome collaboration with him in the future."
"Junior Priest Khivasha, I am sorry I did not approach you sooner."
Assuming a thinking posture, Kumahl asks, "Diviners have stopped breathing? Did they recover afterwards? Please tell me of what has been done outside the shrine? Estimated, how many of your brethren have perished within the shrine?"
Clan Accountant Grujung: "Yes, a letter will be sent." "It is always good to maintain relationships."
Senior Most Diver Uchang: "It is reassuring to have someone to supplement my use of the Helm."
"Making more can be expensive but if we had more, and more people to use them, it would help the whole clan."
Junior Priest Khivasha: "None have yet to die that we know."
"We found the shrine underwater when we approached it."
"The diviners had to break off their investigation but then they recovered their breathing."
"We have decided that sending someone in is the only way to determine what is going on." "That is what brought us to your clan."
"It is a blessing of the gods that the people to go in are aligned with the Tlomitlanyal, in a clan that is not."
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Post by greentongue on Oct 9, 2015 5:50:22 GMT -6
Huruyan: "Brother Grujung,Will we be able to use the gem and eye that we had last time? I ask because their use was what saved the last commission."
No sooner had Huruyan asked than an apparently hungover Junior Priest Panjang showed up with the containers storing the aforementioned items.
"Are you sure you want to risk an expedition into the Tsu'urum without my knowledge of the ancients?" he asked as he handed them over to Huruyan.
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Post by greentongue on Oct 9, 2015 5:50:43 GMT -6
Kumahl: "Brother Panjang, you disgust me. I will let you know, now, that if I feel you are jeopardizing our contract and commission, I will personally leave your corpse in the Under City. Consider this your opportunity to prove you can think and act on behalf of someone other than yourself."
"Brother Grujung, will you please assist me in documenting Brother Panjang's belongings and personal effects. This way I can deter any thievery or corpse looting while we take care of business."
Kumahl waits for Panjang's response.
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Post by greentongue on Oct 11, 2015 6:43:48 GMT -6
The stony silence from Junior Priest Panjang was a clear answer to Kumahl's threat. It is clear there will be no more attempts at friendliness.
After turning the requested items over, with careful precision, he departed with a simple, "Good luck" to Huruyan.
Clan Accountant Grujung: "Craftsman Kumahl, in this Clan, we try to get along even if we don't agree with each other's viewpoint."
"Considering other viewpoints has made not just our clan but the Empire strong."
"The Concordant is to be honored within our clan, not just in public."
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Post by greentongue on Oct 11, 2015 6:46:05 GMT -6
Huruyan: Huruyan realizes that he doesn't have his goggles and quickly gets them and hangs them around his neck.
Kumahl: "Brother Grujung, I considered Brother Panjang's views. It is a conflict of interests. For the safety of this excursion, I would rather Panjang was here."
Pausing for a moment and choosing his words carefully, Kumahl continues, "My brother and I, we serve for the betterment of everyone. Until it is revealed to me otherwise, I will continue to judge and exact justice in accordance with what has been revealed to me already. Others may be casual in their worship and adherence to the Gods, I am not. And I am rewarded at every turn for my observance and faithfulness to the tenants and ideas of the Gods."
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Post by greentongue on Oct 11, 2015 6:49:53 GMT -6
Clan Accountant Grujung: "As the clan is depending on you to fulfill the commission that has been accepted, we will just have to accept your judgement on the matter for now."
"I assume that the attendants of the Helm are acceptable to you as they will say above the water and outside of the shrine?"
"Are there any other last requirements before you depart?"
Kumahl: Kumahl checks for his fishing/skinning knife, his fishing staff, and his club. Then chesks the vest for Huruyan, to make sure the parts are all there. With four 50 foot ropes and the two Helms (Kumahl's communications link helm, and the Helm of Walking Among the Fish).
"I am ready to go."
Huruyan: "I am ready also, so let us depart."
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Post by greentongue on Oct 11, 2015 6:51:26 GMT -6
The column forms up with two warriors in the colors of Chegarra in front. Following them is Junior Priest Khivasha resplendent in his scarlet and white checked leather armor. On his head is a helm with a scarlet and white alternating fringe across the top.
Beside him is Hunter Huruyan in his worn and faded loincloth with small emblems of clan and Chegarra embroidered at the waist. Around his neck are his diving goggles.
Craftsman Kumahl follows him in equally faded and worn loincloth but with the emblems of his clan and Thumis. Behind him are the four Emerald Fisher clan's attendants of the equipment with their square baskets.
Lastly are two slaves carrying packs on their backs and wearing small emblems indicating they are of the Blazoned Axe.
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Post by greentongue on Oct 11, 2015 6:53:34 GMT -6
Kumahl: "I only wish we had the means to obscure our movements to our destination."
"[Private to Huruyan: We will need to do something about our clothing and gear before we venture out next commission, agreed.]"
Huruyan: "YES"
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Post by greentongue on Oct 11, 2015 6:53:55 GMT -6
The column attracted some small attention as would any group moving with purpose through the maze of ramshackle boats. Heads turned and the Emerald Fisher clan's attendants walked a little prouder.
Khivasha's guards appeared to know what they were doing and were constantly scanning the surroundings as the column moved towards the gates to the Foreign Quarter.
Reaching those, Junior Priest Khivasha spoke briefly to the guards and those with sharp eyes noticed coins changing hands. The column was waved though without further delay.
In the Foreign Quarter there were too many more notable groups of people for this one small column to draw more than a passing glance.
Again Junior Priest Khivasha met with gate guards where he showed a token and passed some coins. After which, the party was waved through into Jakalla proper with no more than a good looking over.
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Post by greentongue on Oct 11, 2015 6:55:40 GMT -6
The column attracted little attention as many groups moved with purpose through the city on missions for their betters.
Khivasha's guards knew where they were going and after a few twists and turns the column arrived in front of a large warehouse.
Junior Priest Khivasha stepped forward to speak with the guards with Crossed Keys as their clan emblems. The token he had shown before seemed to work this time too as did a small bag of something.
The guards opened the small side door and spoke to other guards inside. With that the large front door opened just enough for the group to slip inside.
Ahead was a long wide corridor with sunlight shining through panels in a raised roof above. Along each side of the corridor were a series of locked doors.
About halfway down Junior Priest Khivasha stopped and unlocked a door on the right. Everyone entered this long but narrow room and he closed then locked the door behind.
The room had stacks of boxes and barrels on either side of a narrow stone walkway down the middle.
Taking one of the poles against the wall, one of the guards stuck it into a nearby barrel and started rotating it. As he did, the floor ahead lowered like a ramp.
Soon the ramp stopped dropping and access to a small room at the bottom was complete.
Junior Priest Khivasha instructed the slaves to take out the lanterns from their packs and light them.
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Post by greentongue on Oct 11, 2015 7:00:45 GMT -6
Huruyan: "I think now would be a good time for me to put on the vest and weights, don't you agree Kumahl? Then I can fasten the Gem to my chest over the vest."
Kumahl: Kumahl says very little as he gets the vest fitted to Huruyan. "Brother, these filled pockets should add some extra protection to your upper torso. Just beware of attacks to your sides. Chlen-hide wasn't available to provide that added protection on your sides. After we finish here, I need to complete a few projects before we take anymore commissions."
Kumahl also hands over the Communication Helm to Huruyan after he ensures that his Telepathy and ESP spells are properly embedded.
At the base of the ramp before going down, Kumahl takes a deep breath. Calmed, he smells the air, listens to the wind. and attunes his senses to their surroundings.
Kumahl stands and approaches Priest Khivasha, "We are here then?"
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Post by greentongue on Oct 14, 2015 5:47:26 GMT -6
Junior Priest Khivasha: Junior Priest Khivasha smiled at Kumahl's question. "This is just our entrance into the Tsu'urum." "We just can go any farther without light."
To all he said, "Stay attentive. There are more enemies than friends ahead."
"Infantryman Ghuru, you will take the lead," Khivasha said as he nodded towards the guard on the left.
"Infantryman Neqo, you will cover our rear."
He pointed to the slaves. "You, in the front. You in the rear."
"Hunter Huruyan, please stay beside me."
"Craftsman Kumahl, will you keep your clansmen together behind us?" Khivasha asked.
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Post by greentongue on Oct 14, 2015 5:48:37 GMT -6
Kumahl: "Certainly"
Turning to the carriers, "Brethren of the Emerald Fishers, stay close to me. Stay alert. Any concerns or problems, speak to me first please."
Nodding to Khivasha, "We are prepared and well here."
Huruyan: Huruyan is nervous, but also excited, "Let us proceed, and with the blessings of Chegarra, may our mission be a success."
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Post by greentongue on Oct 14, 2015 5:48:52 GMT -6
Infantryman Ghuru led everyone out into a large chamber with a low roof and what looked like a hundred columns. Once everyone was out, Infantryman Neqo pulled a lever and a column next to the door spun rapidly. You noticed that there were holes deep into the carvings on this column. Not far away to the right was a ten foot wide corridor that opened into the chamber.
Turning left and following the carved wall the party moved quickly through the chamber away from the nearby corridor to a new one.
This new one was also a ten foot wide corridor and stretched out of sight into the darkness. At the right edge of the lantern light could be seen another corridor but, not a far wall. Behind in the darkness echoed indistinct voices and light could be seen dimly flickering.
The new corridor was embellished with images of people doing their daily chores and home to many web making insects.
The corridor turned a few times and crossed a couple of intersections with changes in the carved images at each new wall section.
While Infantryman Ghuru paused to look ahead at a new intersection, the wall between Huruyan and Kumahl slid open with a scrape. Framed in torchlight from behind was a man in fancy but serviceable plate armor. His breast plate was orange with purple trim as favored by the followers of Chiteng. In the blink of an eye he had his sword in his hand.
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Post by greentongue on Oct 14, 2015 5:49:40 GMT -6
Huruyan: Huruyan quickly pushes the stud on the Eye, and then brings his spear around to face the swordsman.
Kumahl: Kumahl pushes the porters to the opposite wall, away from the swordsman. Taking up a defensive stance with his staff Kumahl instructs each of the porters to crouch down behind the baskets, so they are between the wall and the basket.
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Post by greentongue on Oct 14, 2015 5:50:33 GMT -6
Chiteng Captain: "Did I interrupt something?" the armored man asked with a chuckle.
"What are doing here and what do you have in your baskets?"
The torchlight behind him made him seem to fill the doorway.
[Private to Huruyan: You feel the same tingle as before when you pressed the stud of the Eye.]
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Post by greentongue on Oct 14, 2015 5:51:28 GMT -6
Kumahl: Kumahl takes careful count of the number of visible bodies. He assesses their weapons, armor, and any other equipment they maybe carrying. Gathering an idea of materials, compositions, weaknesses, and strengths from what they carry and are wearing.
Reassured that his "count" is accurate, he waits for Khivasha and Huruyan to initiate conversation or combat. Once they engage, he will give instructions on weaknesses and strengths so that the melee combatants could gain an advantage.
Huruyan: "I used the Eye, did you feel a tingle? If you did you are also protected." This in a whisper to Kumahl.
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Post by greentongue on Oct 14, 2015 5:52:13 GMT -6
Those opposite the door can see one warrior in the doorway with a torchbearer slave behind them. There is another person behind the torchbearer wearing a loincloth but clear view of them is blocked.
The warrior is wearing chlen hide plate armor. Their clan emblem is a Purple Whip. The cloth that can be seen under the armor is well tailored and good quality. Armor Class 3, Plate Armor, 17 To Hit by Level III and below. The warrior has in their hand a chlen hide sword that looks well cared for and very serviceable. Sword, D6 damage
From what can be seen of the torchbearer they are dressed in only a purple and red stripped loincloth. The person behind them has a patterned orange cloak hanging over their arm.
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Post by greentongue on Oct 14, 2015 5:53:16 GMT -6
Junior Priest Khivasha: Junior Priest Khivasha spins around to face the new arrival. "We are on the way to take care of a drainage problem." "Care to join us? You could kill a few Kurgha "Eaters of Carrion" for us."
Huruyan: "Do you know this man,Priest Khivasha?" Huruyan relaxes a little, but keeps his eyes on the warrior.
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Post by greentongue on Oct 14, 2015 5:53:56 GMT -6
Chiteng Captain: The warrior stepped forward and moved the hoses in one of the baskets with his sword tip. "What's this stuff for?"
"I'm looking for something more rewarding to kill than Kurgha." "Doesn't look like you are worth the effort," the warrior added with some disdain in his voice.
Behind him the torchbearer and a servant moved closer to the door.
Junior Priest Khivasha: "My workmen use that to avoid breathing bad air." "You know what Kurgha like."
"All followers of war Gods are comrades," Khivasha added, to Huruyan.
Both Infantrymen had moved closer but didn't draw their weapons. They just kept their hands near them.
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Post by greentongue on Oct 14, 2015 5:54:53 GMT -6
Chiteng Captain: "Well get out of my way and go clean up that carrion."
He acted as if even being near you had a bad smell as he strode off in the direction you had come from.
Junior Priest Khivasha: Soon the warrior and his followers had faded around a corner in the dark.
"That went better than I had expected." "I'm glad he didn't question us more as I'm not good at lying." "Luckily I didn't have to, as he assumed the worst on his own."
"Thanks for not inciting him to violence," said Khivasha to Huruyan. "We have better things to do than pick fights with random strangers."
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Post by greentongue on Oct 14, 2015 5:55:15 GMT -6
Everyone formed back into the previous marching order and continued down the long branching corridors with occasional large rooms.
After pausing a few times to let what sounded like other groups move away, Infantryman Ghuru opened another secret door.
You could feel the sloping floor leading you down and the walls were striated in layers. Once the floor leveled out you noticed that the walls had a completely different style of decoration from those above.
Passing along a couple of passages and across a few rooms you were moving slower and more alert but with almost no pauses. There were no longer the hundreds of foot corridors and when you crossed a room you carefully stepped on top of the person before's footprints.
Stopping at yet another secret door, Infantryman Ghuru listened carefully before opening it.
Junior Priest Khivasha had the slaves refill their lanterns again, just in case.
This lead down another staircase and through a short series of rooms off of the corridor you were following. The corridor ended at a solid door with silver trimmed carvings depicting a scene from the Chegarra scriptures. Junior Priest Khivasha pressed and twisted a combination in the carvings and the door unlatched.
Behind the door was a final staircase that emptied into a twenty by twenty pool of water within an inch of the room's ceiling. The stairs continued to the room's floor.
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Post by greentongue on Oct 17, 2015 13:59:40 GMT -6
Kumahl: Kumahl begins assessing the dimensions, floor to ceiling. Then begins a rough calculation for the amount of water in the area.
Speaking to Khivasha, "Was the water this high when you were here last? Has the water level changed any that you can tell?"
Handing Huruyan the Helm of Communication, Kumahl quietly casts the enchantment of ESP and Telepathy, noting to himself that he should look at making these things permanent as soon as possible.
Looking to those carrying the Helm and Suit for Walking Among the Fishes, Kumahl begins giving instructions for laying out the gear so that he can suit up.
Junior Priest Khivasha: "Last time I was on these stairs the water was up to here."
He pointed to a thin film of dirt on the last step above the water that indicates the water was just above the ceiling of the room.
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Post by greentongue on Oct 17, 2015 14:00:51 GMT -6
Huruyan: "It looks like we have just a short time that we will be able to communicate, so I think I will enter the water now and start looking around, unless you know something I don't. Maybe I can find something quickly." With that Huruyan starts into the water, not wasting any time but slow enough to be careful and constantly looking around. "As soon as you get set up you can follow, Kumahl."
Kumahl: Quickly Kumahl gets into Suit, adjusting straps, weights, ties, and tubes. Praying that it all works as it should, Kumahl slips on the hood and pushes the float ahead of him as he descends down the stairs.
Before descending he turns around and motions to one of the basket bearers, who comes forward with his weapons. Kumahl straps his knife to his calf, outside of the suit, leaves the club, but takes his staff.
Heading once again down the stairs, Kumahl uses his staff to tap the bricks of the steps as he descends. He listens and feels for the sounds of hollow spaces beneath the stones, to determine how far the water has seeped into the structure. Before he puts his head under and pulls the float behind him, he stops and waits for Huruyan.
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Post by greentongue on Oct 17, 2015 14:01:17 GMT -6
Junior Priest Khivasha: "Let me know if you can determine the source of the flooding and check the back of the statue for an open compartment."
"Be careful and don't touch anything you don't have to."
"Something is blocking the diviners and it is not just the normal holy protection of an active shrine."
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Post by greentongue on Oct 17, 2015 14:02:01 GMT -6
The lanterns diffuse their light into the water allowing the outlines and floor of the room to be seen.
The stone floor is solid everywhere you have checked so far but is covered in a thin layer of mud that stirs up with each step you take.
In the dimness, the walls of the room look irregular and opposite of the stairs is a set of double doors that are ajar. There is a glint off of the silver inlay work on the doors.
Near one door is a body laying on the floor covered in mud.
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