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Post by xerxez on Jul 24, 2023 19:23:22 GMT -6
KARUNAZ TO THE NUROABITES: "The Southern isles do not lack hearty and brave warriors-- your skills are some of the best I've ever seen...for acolytes, of course. Mi'kimu and Balesh, you must drink with me sometime in the Livyani guest-houses back in the city-- this Priest and your magic lady can come, as well. IF the Shadow Gods decide to let us entertain them until we've left this evil place...."
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Post by dtspurrier1 on Jul 25, 2023 10:00:58 GMT -6
Mohammad says, " KARUNAZ I am honored with the drink offer and I will take you up on that." Mohammad then says, " this coffin was protected by the undead and it is probably not safe to open. We should determine if it is magically trapped and see if there are runes of the lawful gods that protect it as well."
Mohammad visually walks around the coffin to see if there are engravings or runes
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 371
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Post by flightcommander on Jul 25, 2023 20:42:46 GMT -6
"Fi'ru, I want your eyes on yonder breach onto the water, should the Floating Eyes or something else follow us here — but be careful, not too close!"
Mi'kimu turns to inspect one of the corner braziers (say, the bottom-left one on your most recent map) while Mohammad investigates the coffin. He deigns to touch the thing, but hopes to discern any peculiar details in the flickering light at hand.
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Post by xerxez on Jul 25, 2023 22:41:03 GMT -6
Mohammad says, " KARUNAZ I am honored with the drink offer and I will take you up on that." Mohammad then says, " this coffin was protected by the undead and it is probably not safe to open. We should determine if it is magically trapped and see if there are runes of the lawful gods that protect it as well." Mohammad visually walks around the coffin to see if there are engravings or runes Mohammad's inspection of the coffin reveals much...he can see that enchantment went into it's preservation, but as for any traps, his knowledge ascertains nothing. He feels certain there are none. There are no runes or inscriptions, only a human likeness in repose upon the lid and a thin, unbroken line sealing the coffin, perhaps something like wax.
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Post by xerxez on Jul 25, 2023 22:45:06 GMT -6
" Fi'ru, I want your eyes on yonder breach onto the water, should the Floating Eyes or something else follow us here — but be careful, not too close!" Mi'kimu turns to inspect one of the corner braziers (say, the bottom-left one on your most recent map) while Mohammad investigates the coffin. He deigns to touch the thing, but hopes to discern any peculiar details in the flickering light at hand. Fi'ru nods and takes a stand at the aperture, watching intently. Mi'kimu's inspection of the brazier reveals a detailed sculpture of four figurines holding up the central bowl. The detritus in the bowls is petrified with age-- no light has burned in them since they were first lit, seemingly.
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Post by makofan on Jul 26, 2023 6:06:35 GMT -6
KARUNAZ TO THE NUROABITES: "The Southern isles do not lack hearty and brave warriors-- your skills are some of the best I've ever seen...for acolytes, of course. Mi'kimu and Balesh, you must drink with me sometime in the Livyani guest-houses back in the city-- this Priest and your magic lady can come, as well. IF the Shadow Gods decide to let us entertain them until we've left this evil place...." Balesh is astonished at the praise, and not quite sure how deep to read into it. He decides on his best courtesy. "You honor us beyond our station, most noble priest. I am just happy that our skills were sufficient"
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Post by xerxez on Jul 26, 2023 8:26:48 GMT -6
KARUNAZ TO THE NUROABITES: "The Southern isles do not lack hearty and brave warriors-- your skills are some of the best I've ever seen...for acolytes, of course. Mi'kimu and Balesh, you must drink with me sometime in the Livyani guest-houses back in the city-- this Priest and your magic lady can come, as well. IF the Shadow Gods decide to let us entertain them until we've left this evil place...." Balesh is astonished at the praise, and not quite sure how deep to read into it. He decides on his best courtesy. "You honor us beyond our station, most noble priest. I am just happy that our skills were sufficient" I know its been a minute but you may be getting Karunaz mixed up with Vortumoi. Vortumoi is the priest of Hu'ru and the nephew of the Fat Lord, your actual employer. Karunaz is a hired sword from Livyani who has been in their service for sometime. Karunaz has probably come across to the party as a genuine person, while Vortumoi has come across as...Okayyyyy then.
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Post by scottenkainen on Jul 26, 2023 8:40:26 GMT -6
N'Rasa had winced slightly at "magic lady." She did not truly expect to have fooled Vortumoi long in her male garb and with her affected deeper voice.
She turned away, touching the walls with her free hand while she searched them for secret doors. The borrowed torch in her off hand helped light the room.
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Post by dtspurrier1 on Jul 26, 2023 10:46:55 GMT -6
Mohammad describes what he say on the coffin. He asks, " any idea who this person was? If this person was a religious man, we can perform a ritual to properly open this without offending the church that preserved this. We could just leave this sealed too."
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Post by xerxez on Jul 26, 2023 11:53:34 GMT -6
N'Rasa had winced slightly at "magic lady." She did not truly expect to have fooled Vortumoi long in her male garb and with her affected deeper voice. She turned away, touching the walls with her free hand while she searched them for secret doors. The borrowed torch in her off hand helped light the room. (Actually a GM slip up. I will make a roll later to see whether Vortumoi or Karunaz believe N'Rasa's ruse.) N'Rasa runs her hands over the walls, inspecting them- she comes to the conclusion there are likely no secret doors in them. Karunaz the Livyani warrior also checks but finds nothing. The walls are painted with strange figures and hieroglyphics which appear to depict Bejordi's life and early Bednalljan times. There is even a depiction on N'yari, the first Queen of the Tsolyáni Imperium, showing a figure who is detailed enough to likely be Béjordi in attendance at some even in her honor. The Warriors are not likely to recognize these but N'Rasa, Mohammed and Vortumoi can discern this. Nothing about the murals appears magical, rather they seem to be a history of the life of the tomb occupant.
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Post by xerxez on Jul 26, 2023 12:07:13 GMT -6
Mohammad describes what he say on the coffin. He asks, " any idea who this person was? If this person was a religious man, we can perform a ritual to properly open this without offending the church that preserved this. We could just leave this sealed too." VORTUMOI: "He was a poet. The history of our nation and Empire begins with Bednálljan times. Queen N'yari was the first enthroned monarch of what was to become Tsolyánu's first Imperium and succession of Petal Throne rulers. Béjordi was in a sense the voice of a newborn culture- his poems brought grace and dignity to a court born of bloodshed and treachery and established the refinement which to this day sets our Tsolyáni ways above the other four Empires. Some of his poems about flowers still exist and even fostered the nobility's affection for floral arrangements as high culture. The Stability God Thumis is honored daily in all his Temples and shrines through the Empire with the Gentle God's favorite sacrifice- fresh flowers, and a recital of Bejordi's flower poems is customary at such rituals. Béjordi himself followed K'sarul, Lord of Secrets and Hidden knowledge. However, he was no priest. And we are going to open his coffin now. It is no sacrilige in the end if we obtain what my uncle seeks. For that will benefit the Throne and the nobility, and thus prosper the people of all the Empire. It will also bring great prestige to my Uncle, our clan, and our Temple. Will any here assist me, or must I do it alone in my weakened state?"
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Post by scottenkainen on Jul 26, 2023 12:30:16 GMT -6
"Hold," N'Rasa said. "First, we should make sure this watery exit is being watched." N'Rasa moved across the room to serve as a sentry at the broken wall.
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Post by makofan on Jul 26, 2023 16:25:10 GMT -6
Balesh is astonished at the praise, and not quite sure how deep to read into it. He decides on his best courtesy. "You honor us beyond our station, most noble priest. I am just happy that our skills were sufficient" I know its been a minute but you may be getting Karunaz mixed up with Vortumoi. Vortumoi is the priest of Hu'ru and the nephew of the Fat Lord, your actual employer. Karunaz is a hired sword from Livyani who has been in their service for sometime. Karunaz has probably come across to the party as a genuine person, while Vortumoi has come across as...Okayyyyy then. Whoops In that case, he thanks him for his guidance and kind words
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Post by xerxez on Jul 26, 2023 18:21:17 GMT -6
"Hold," N'Rasa said. "First, we should make sure this watery exit is being watched." N'Rasa moved across the room to serve as a sentry at the broken wall. N'rasa joins Fi'ru at the largest opening. Outside the wall is a vast cavern, much bigger than the previous one. N'rasa's torch is able to show about thirty feet out-- The water does not smell stagnant-. Unlike the previous cavern, where the air was very still, you think you might feel the slightest current of fresh air drifting from the lake's furthest reaches. There is still not any sign of the fearsome one eyed floating beasts, nor any sound other than the echoes that come from your activities in the crypt.
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 371
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Post by flightcommander on Jul 26, 2023 21:44:52 GMT -6
Mi'kimu will assist in opening the coffin.
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Post by xerxez on Jul 27, 2023 7:15:11 GMT -6
Mi'kimu will assist in opening the coffin. Mi'kimu, Karunaz, Vortmoi and a porter all cooperate to lift the lid of the coffin-- it is not especially heavy. As it rises, the wax seal around it is broken. They set the lid upon the floor and peer with the party into the coffin. There, inclined upon a bed of ancient and resplendent pillows and silks, is a thin figure clad in finery of blue and black robes. Skeletal hands clutch a scroll upon its chest...its feet, too, are withered claws now. Its face is hidden by a golden funerary mask, and in fact, the gleam of priceless gold and of jewelry and gems which adorn the figure's arms, ankles, neck, wrists and chest take your breath away. At Bejordi's feet is a carved box inlaid with precious stones and gold leaf. The box sits atop two bound books, remarkably well preserved...perhaps also by enchantment. Ancient flowers lie around him and a pungent, stale odor of old perfumes and embalming medicines rise from his coffin. Even Vortumoi is shocked at the sight. The priest examines the coffin for any traps briefly, then reaches out to touch the gleaming golden mask as to remove it- as he does, the head beneath it crumbles into dust and it falls inward. He looks at the box and nods to Karunaz-- the warrior sheathes his sword and lifts it out. Again looking it over, Karunaz cautiously opens it, and inside are a small metal orb and two devices which look exactly like the device Vortumoi used outside the tomb--Eyes. Vortumoi lifts a book and unclasping it finds pages of beautiful, tiny script filling every page from top to bottom. "His complete works," Vortumoi says. "We have it!" Karunaz grins and looks at Mi'kimu. "There must be upwards of five or six thousand Kaitar worth of gold and stone in there, my friend. I'd say your fortunes have lifted."
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Post by scottenkainen on Jul 27, 2023 7:48:52 GMT -6
N'Rasa turned away from her sentry duty at the sound of those last words. Five or six thousand? Had she heard him right?
"...do we have enough sacks to carry it all?" N'Rasa asked, when practical thoughts returned to her.
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Post by dtspurrier1 on Jul 27, 2023 8:31:39 GMT -6
Mohammad does have a sack for storage. He also says, " if the coffin lid is sturdy we can flip it over and put the stuff in to carry. "
(OOC assuming the lid when reversed is oval or has an indentation and not smooth flat)
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Post by xerxez on Jul 27, 2023 17:32:23 GMT -6
N'Rasa turned away from her sentry duty at the sound of those last words. Five or six thousand? Had she heard him right?"...do we have enough sacks to carry it all?" N'Rasa asked, when practical thoughts returned to her. Indeed, however it is not in coin but wrought gold ornaments of antiquity and fine gems and jewels. The dead man was a member of the noble class and quite wealthy when he died. In spite of the high praise which Vortumoi gave him, neither Karunaz nor Vortumoi seem the least bit disturbed at the idea of plundering the coffin!
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Post by xerxez on Jul 27, 2023 17:36:40 GMT -6
Mohammad does have a sack for storage. He also says, " if the coffin lid is sturdy we can flip it over and put the stuff in to carry. " (OOC assuming the lid when reversed is oval or has an indentation and not smooth flat) The coffin lid is indeed concave on it's interior side but the treasure is all in wrought gold ornaments and fine gems. It is quite portable with your porters and the rest of you.
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Post by xerxez on Jul 27, 2023 18:25:37 GMT -6
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 371
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Post by flightcommander on Jul 27, 2023 21:38:36 GMT -6
Not once in his life has Mi'kimu beheld such a splendor of gold, jewels, and literary riches beyond measure. He stands over the coffin in wordless amazement for a moment before stuttering to Karunaz (and by extension Vortumoi), "What of that scroll?"
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Post by xerxez on Jul 27, 2023 22:37:17 GMT -6
(Messed up a second-- revising previous post directly following flightcommander's. Please hold! )
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Post by xerxez on Jul 27, 2023 22:52:43 GMT -6
KARUNAZ: "Good question...."
Vortumoi gingerly takes hold of the scroll as the hands fall apart like burnt papers.
He unfurls it.
VORTUMOI: "Two magical spells--how odd. I do not recall our Prince being acclaimed for acts of magic, but then he was a Ka'sarul worshipper.
They are in "Tongue of the Priests of Ksarul"- I know it.
One is a spell of mind-reading. The other no less than a spell of Revivication....powerful indeed.
It will raise one from the dead! Let us hope it is not needed.
We have unearthed great treasures.
The value of the gold and jewels are but an added plums, far less valuable than the contents of this scrolls and Bejordi's poems...
Of course a suitable story must be crafted to explain the sudden appearance of the poems and epics-- but the power and influence of our Dark Sun Clan will also help shield us from any repercussions that could arise from the Blue Temple...besides, we are in the Underworld--the Temple Concordat is of much less import here.
Our Clan...oh, and of course, you Outlanders...will be greatly enriched.
We shall likely pay you in Kaitars or jewels in direct value and I will take the actual grave contents as my Clan decides how to best handle these ancient adornments. The agreed percentage of course..perhaps even a bit more..you have done well, after all! I'm sure you would rather have your pay in Kaitars anyway.
It would be most uncomfortable for a band of foreigners in Jakalla to explain where and how they came by these pieces of art!
As for the steel orb and the two Eyes, Karunaz will carry the box with these.
Now...how do we exit this place....?"
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Post by dtspurrier1 on Jul 28, 2023 9:42:51 GMT -6
Mohammad says, " perhaps these pieces of art would do well in a public place in the city a museum or a library? So others can view these pieces of art and works. Our exit is behind us back the way we came in unless there are other exits."
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 371
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Post by flightcommander on Jul 28, 2023 20:24:37 GMT -6
"Ah, hmm," muses Mi'kimu fitfully, glancing about the room. This has all seemed too simple, up until now, and he feels a sudden dread come over him as he considers the daunting task ahead — finding our way out of an ancient tomb!
"It is unclear that we can re-open the doors we closed against the Flying Eyes, and even should we succeed in that task I suspect we would be rewarded with death."
One of us (likely Mi'kimu himself) might wade out into the waters, to determine whether an exit lies that way. We might also scour the chamber once again — and perhaps even the coffin itself — and look for secret exits. Or perhaps the braziers in the corners hold some clue — though Mi'kimu, simple as he is, cannot ascertain it.
He knows Virtumoi has magic to speed us from the tomb, but it sounds ... more dangerous than any of our other options.
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Post by xerxez on Jul 29, 2023 9:48:37 GMT -6
"Ah, hmm," muses Mi'kimu fitfully, glancing about the room. This has all seemed too simple, up until now, and he feels a sudden dread come over him as he considers the daunting task ahead — finding our way out of an ancient tomb! "It is unclear that we can re-open the doors we closed against the Flying Eyes, and even should we succeed in that task I suspect we would be rewarded with death." One of us (likely Mi'kimu himself) might wade out into the waters, to determine whether an exit lies that way. We might also scour the chamber once again — and perhaps even the coffin itself — and look for secret exits. Or perhaps the braziers in the corners hold some clue — though Mi'kimu, simple as he is, cannot ascertain it. He knows Virtumoi has magic to speed us from the tomb, but it sounds ... more dangerous than any of our other options. Fi'ru and N'rasa are both certain there is better air coming from the west, across the water to the aperture. Fi'ru asks if he might test the water's depth here with his spear? The water's edge is just below the floor of the chamber, about four inches. It does not appear to have ever risen high enough to flood the chamber--neither the coffin nor the floor show any sign of water damage.
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Post by scottenkainen on Jul 29, 2023 10:10:24 GMT -6
"I can verify there are no secret doors here," N'Rasa said. "It seems we have no choice but the long dark of...this watery cave."
She waited for the water's depth to be tested first.
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Post by xerxez on Jul 29, 2023 11:08:19 GMT -6
"I can verify there are no secret doors here," N'Rasa said. "It seems we have no choice but the long dark of...this watery cave." She waited for the water's depth to be tested first. Fi'ru holds his spear by the end and dips it into the water. There is some natural stone protrusion leading out from the chamber wall floor but he can reach beyond it-- the spear does not touch any bottom.
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 371
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Post by flightcommander on Jul 29, 2023 19:57:32 GMT -6
Mi'kimu hands his axe to Fi'ru, strips naked, and enters the water to better determine its depth.
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