Garrin Locke:
With the revival of Loche, Garrin adds, "You should bind that against infection. Praise Mitra you have regained your mobility." With this he makes his way over to the giant insect, and utters a prayer before eating.
He will eat his fill, saving most for the others. If any remains, he suggests that it is bundled up and saved for later.
Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Mako:
Mako makes his way over to the giant scorpion. With his knowledge of such a delicacy he goes for the best and tastiest meat on the beast.
Mako makes his way over to the giant scorpion. With his knowledge of such a delicacy he goes for the best and tastiest meat on the beast.
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hedgeknight
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Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Roan, Son of Rune
Spitting and wiping his mouth, Roan nods in satisfaction as Locke begins to expel the poison from his system. The Vanir then returns to the giant scorpion and resumes his meal.
Almost imperceptible, especially with the Pict's retching, those closest to Roan think they hear him whisper, "Praise Mitra for our deliverance."
Spitting and wiping his mouth, Roan nods in satisfaction as Locke begins to expel the poison from his system. The Vanir then returns to the giant scorpion and resumes his meal.
Almost imperceptible, especially with the Pict's retching, those closest to Roan think they hear him whisper, "Praise Mitra for our deliverance."
Winter is coming...
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OGRE MAGE
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Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Gronda watches on impatiently as the men gorge themselves on the raw meat. She can wait till they get a fire going to prepare hers properly. And they call me the savage? She thinks to herself as she continues to wait for the others to be ready to descend into the shaft.
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Day One
The Great Pyramid of the Lost City, Great Eastern Desert, the World of Hyboria
13th day of the month of Yuluk, 1279th year of the Age of Aquilonia
Sunset. Scorching, arid, cloudless
The sun sets on the ruins of the lost city of the pharaohs.
At long last, Biblo reaches the end of his excruciating crucible. The civilized Zamoran scholar finally summits and, after recovering from his harrowing ascent, the starving explorers are reunited in the cool, ageless chamber under the roof of the Great Pyramid where, beneath the unseeing stone colossi of the ancients, they feast in triumph.
When at last they are sated, they suddenly see a face peering down upon them from the trapdoor above!
At first they mistake the face for that of Osak! But they soon realize it is no ghost, merely another survivor of the storm wrecked caravan. Attila the nomad barbarian was also a guard for Zorello the Merchant and, while he shares the same Hyrkanean homeland as Osak, there was no love lost between them. They were of rival tribes.
Attila looks hungry and tired as he peers down into the trapdoor and sees a wondrous chamber encrusted with hieroglyphics and sand. A leviathan scorpion monstrosity, the former source of the echoing bellows, lays dead and butchered. A half dozen other survivors of the doomed caravan eat from its immense carcass by torchlight:
Four ornate bronze doors surround them, one from each cardinal direction. The eastern door is ajar. Ten foot tall dunes conceal the room's corners.
Actions? and everyone please welcome Starbeard to the game, who will play Attila the Nomad.
Status:
The Great Pyramid of the Lost City, Great Eastern Desert, the World of Hyboria
13th day of the month of Yuluk, 1279th year of the Age of Aquilonia
Sunset. Scorching, arid, cloudless
The sun sets on the ruins of the lost city of the pharaohs.
At long last, Biblo reaches the end of his excruciating crucible. The civilized Zamoran scholar finally summits and, after recovering from his harrowing ascent, the starving explorers are reunited in the cool, ageless chamber under the roof of the Great Pyramid where, beneath the unseeing stone colossi of the ancients, they feast in triumph.
When at last they are sated, they suddenly see a face peering down upon them from the trapdoor above!
At first they mistake the face for that of Osak! But they soon realize it is no ghost, merely another survivor of the storm wrecked caravan. Attila the nomad barbarian was also a guard for Zorello the Merchant and, while he shares the same Hyrkanean homeland as Osak, there was no love lost between them. They were of rival tribes.
Attila looks hungry and tired as he peers down into the trapdoor and sees a wondrous chamber encrusted with hieroglyphics and sand. A leviathan scorpion monstrosity, the former source of the echoing bellows, lays dead and butchered. A half dozen other survivors of the doomed caravan eat from its immense carcass by torchlight:
- Arthfael Griogarach: Dark, bald, tattooed Cimmerian Northman Druid.
Biblo Phyle: Literary, white-bearded Zamoran Southman Arcanist.
Garrin Locke: Noble, young Argosian Atlantean Paladin.
Gronda: Scarred, dark Zembabweian Savage Scout and Ex-Slave.
Loche: Mysterious Pict Savage Thief.
Mako: Humble Eastern Conjurer of Khitai.
Roan, Son of Rune: Massive, red-maned Vanir Northman Barbarian.
- Arthfael Griogarach: Dark, bald, tattooed Cimmerian Northman Druid.
Four ornate bronze doors surround them, one from each cardinal direction. The eastern door is ajar. Ten foot tall dunes conceal the room's corners.
Actions? and everyone please welcome Starbeard to the game, who will play Attila the Nomad.
- Pyramid Tier 1.jpg (730.39 KiB) Viewed 1719 times
Status:
- Arthfael Griogarach: Cimmerian Northman Druid 2: AC 6, HP 12/12, Spells: 4/4 1st lvl and 2/3 2nd lvl
Attila: Hyrkanean Nomad Barbarian 1: AC 1, HP 12/12
Biblo Phyle: Zamoran Southman Cleric/Fighter/Magic-User 1/1/1: AC 3, HP 7/7, Spells: 3/4 1st lvl
Garrin Locke: Argosian Atlantean Paladin 1: AC 5, HP 11/11, Laying Hands: 0/1
Gronda: Zembabweian Savage Ranger/Thief 1/2: AC 7, HP 12/17
Loche: Pict Savage Thief 3: AC 5, HP 16/18
Mako: Khitan Easterner Illusionist 2: AC: 7, HP: 6/6, Spells: 1/2 1st lvl
Roan, Son of Rune: Vanir Northman Barbarian 1: AC 4, HP 8/12
- Protection from Evil (Garrin): -2 to AC and +2 to saving throws against evil, in a 10 foot radius around Garrin.
Last edited by Inferno on Mon May 25, 2020 12:56 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Grognardsw
- Rider of Rohan
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Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Biblo Phyle, sageblade
I finally reach the ziggurat top and rest. I nod at the others and the newcomer, almost too tired to speak words. Another desert-swept survivor come to join us.
"Welcome..."
I glance down the hole. It seems the gods weren't going to let us starve after all. Fickle they are, casting omens of death only to grant reprieve.
That giant scorpian - I wonder if we could harvest its poison?
I slowly put my chainmail back on while studying the cunieform language, trying to translate its ancient secrets.
I finally reach the ziggurat top and rest. I nod at the others and the newcomer, almost too tired to speak words. Another desert-swept survivor come to join us.
"Welcome..."
I glance down the hole. It seems the gods weren't going to let us starve after all. Fickle they are, casting omens of death only to grant reprieve.
That giant scorpian - I wonder if we could harvest its poison?
I slowly put my chainmail back on while studying the cunieform language, trying to translate its ancient secrets.
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Arthfael waits while the others dine on raw scorpion flesh.
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Attila the Nomad
A squat and round man crawls forth from the edge of the pyramid's top, sweat glistening from his bony limbs. His face is obscured by a heavy metal helm of unnecessary size.
"Ha! A boy's challenge!" The man tumbles onto the surface and lies on his back in laboured breaths, arms outstretched. Presently he sees movement nearby and below, and looks up at the others. Scrambling to his feet, he changes his mind several times between brandishing his weapon, hugging someone, and playing it icy cool.
"Attila! That is me. I have survived a sandstorm, as I knew I would." He squints sharply. "You are also of the caravan, yes? I may recognize some of you, I cannot tell. It is hot."
(Attila is resting for 10 minutes after scaling the pyramid)
A squat and round man crawls forth from the edge of the pyramid's top, sweat glistening from his bony limbs. His face is obscured by a heavy metal helm of unnecessary size.
"Ha! A boy's challenge!" The man tumbles onto the surface and lies on his back in laboured breaths, arms outstretched. Presently he sees movement nearby and below, and looks up at the others. Scrambling to his feet, he changes his mind several times between brandishing his weapon, hugging someone, and playing it icy cool.
"Attila! That is me. I have survived a sandstorm, as I knew I would." He squints sharply. "You are also of the caravan, yes? I may recognize some of you, I cannot tell. It is hot."
(Attila is resting for 10 minutes after scaling the pyramid)
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OGRE MAGE
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Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Gronda is very suspicious of this newcomer that just arrived on the scene. Especially since he reminds her too much of the creepy Osak.
Once he starts speaking, her suspicions lesson greatly.
Attila you say? Do you remember me then? She stands up to meet the man, studying his movements carefully to make sure he isn't a threat.
Are you hungry? She asks with obvious sarcasm.
Once he starts speaking, her suspicions lesson greatly.
Attila you say? Do you remember me then? She stands up to meet the man, studying his movements carefully to make sure he isn't a threat.
Are you hungry? She asks with obvious sarcasm.
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Garrin Locke:
Garrin casts a wary eye at the squat nomad, for the last men that were met in these hellish sands were driven mad by hunger and thirst; however, he maintains his civility and speaks, "Well met, Atilla. I am Garrin Locke. Water and food we have." He gestures to what remains of the scorpion carcass and continues, "Tell us how you came to be here after the storm."
Garrin casts a wary eye at the squat nomad, for the last men that were met in these hellish sands were driven mad by hunger and thirst; however, he maintains his civility and speaks, "Well met, Atilla. I am Garrin Locke. Water and food we have." He gestures to what remains of the scorpion carcass and continues, "Tell us how you came to be here after the storm."
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hedgeknight
- Rider of Rohan
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Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Roan, Son of Rune
Roan, his hunger somewhat sated, wipes scorpion juice from his face and "cleans" his hands in the sand, dusting off the excess...while never taking his eyes off the newcomer. He continues to watch the strange man, even as he walks over to the far southern wall to take a piss.
Walking back to the group, he skirts to the right and looks into the open eastern door...
Roan, his hunger somewhat sated, wipes scorpion juice from his face and "cleans" his hands in the sand, dusting off the excess...while never taking his eyes off the newcomer. He continues to watch the strange man, even as he walks over to the far southern wall to take a piss.
Walking back to the group, he skirts to the right and looks into the open eastern door...
Winter is coming...
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Attila the Nomad
"Do I remember you?" Attila studies Gronda. "No. But I remember those unsavoury specimens who lie hacked to pieces at the bottom of the pyramid. I did not like them. If that was your doing, then I salute your good taste."
He adjusts the straps of his ornate but dented helmet. "I see you are impressed with my helmet as well. It is nice, isn't it? It belongs to me, I found it on a nobleman's dead guardian while wandering the sands."
He rubs his naked, protruding belly. "I have wandered the sands since the storm, and have come here because I saw it. I would have perished had I not packed four full waterskins. I have drunk it all, and now have but a single empty container. But—FOOD! That is what I need. In two days or more I have eaten nothing but air and the scraps from that wonderful roast of strange meat those brigands were cooking before being butchered. You say you have food? Ah! Scorpion!" When his strength is gathered from the climb, Attila descends into the room and feasts on scorpion flesh.
"Do I remember you?" Attila studies Gronda. "No. But I remember those unsavoury specimens who lie hacked to pieces at the bottom of the pyramid. I did not like them. If that was your doing, then I salute your good taste."
He adjusts the straps of his ornate but dented helmet. "I see you are impressed with my helmet as well. It is nice, isn't it? It belongs to me, I found it on a nobleman's dead guardian while wandering the sands."
He rubs his naked, protruding belly. "I have wandered the sands since the storm, and have come here because I saw it. I would have perished had I not packed four full waterskins. I have drunk it all, and now have but a single empty container. But—FOOD! That is what I need. In two days or more I have eaten nothing but air and the scraps from that wonderful roast of strange meat those brigands were cooking before being butchered. You say you have food? Ah! Scorpion!" When his strength is gathered from the climb, Attila descends into the room and feasts on scorpion flesh.
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Day One
The Great Pyramid of the Lost City, Great Eastern Desert, the World of Hyboria
13th day of the month of Yuluk, 1279th year of the Age of Aquilonia
Sunset. Scorching, arid, cloudless
The sun sets and the immense velvet sky slowly fills with cold, distant stars.
Within the Great Pyramid, the lost, ravenous survivors eat their fill of the gargantuan arachnid. They will not die of starvation today.
Attila the Hyrkanean descends to partake of the grisly repast, and the weighted trapdoor smoothly slides shut behind him.
The silence and mystery of the strange place prey upon Roan the barbarian. Restless, he relieves himself against the southern wall. There, he sees the southeast dune hides a large hole in the wall. A burrowed tunnel leads out, likely to the exterior southern face of the pyramid. It must be how the starving, storm-tossed scorpion entered this chamber.
Then Roan examines the open eastern door, boundary of the unknown.
All that lies behind the door is a wall fashioned of bricks a different color and size than those that form the walls of the great chamber. In the center of the brick wall is a hole, from whence had launched a deadly javelin at Mako. Roan squints. This trap was laid decades ago perhaps, but not millennia. Three more bronze doors remain shut.
Learned Biblo studies the ancient proto-Stygian hieroglyphs of this, the uppermost territory of the pyramid. Translating for the benefit of his less learned companions, the Zamoran scholar discovers the lost city once resided within the long dead civilization of Verulia! Biblo knows something of Ancient Verulia. The avid antiquarian can't help but share his passion for history:
Preserved with him, for his life everlasting in the world beyond this one, is everything he will need to dwell in glory forever in the Land of the Dead... including vast treasures beyond imagining.
Actions?
Status:
The Great Pyramid of the Lost City, Great Eastern Desert, the World of Hyboria
13th day of the month of Yuluk, 1279th year of the Age of Aquilonia
Sunset. Scorching, arid, cloudless
The sun sets and the immense velvet sky slowly fills with cold, distant stars.
Within the Great Pyramid, the lost, ravenous survivors eat their fill of the gargantuan arachnid. They will not die of starvation today.
Attila the Hyrkanean descends to partake of the grisly repast, and the weighted trapdoor smoothly slides shut behind him.
The silence and mystery of the strange place prey upon Roan the barbarian. Restless, he relieves himself against the southern wall. There, he sees the southeast dune hides a large hole in the wall. A burrowed tunnel leads out, likely to the exterior southern face of the pyramid. It must be how the starving, storm-tossed scorpion entered this chamber.
Then Roan examines the open eastern door, boundary of the unknown.
All that lies behind the door is a wall fashioned of bricks a different color and size than those that form the walls of the great chamber. In the center of the brick wall is a hole, from whence had launched a deadly javelin at Mako. Roan squints. This trap was laid decades ago perhaps, but not millennia. Three more bronze doors remain shut.
Learned Biblo studies the ancient proto-Stygian hieroglyphs of this, the uppermost territory of the pyramid. Translating for the benefit of his less learned companions, the Zamoran scholar discovers the lost city once resided within the long dead civilization of Verulia! Biblo knows something of Ancient Verulia. The avid antiquarian can't help but share his passion for history:
- Robert E. Howard-ish wrote:Of that epoch known by the Nemedian Chronicles as the Pre-Cataclysmic Age, little is known except the latter part, and that is veiled in the mists of legend.
Known history begins with the waning of the civilization of the main, or Thurian continent... a civilization dominated by the kingdoms of Ramelia, Valusia, Verulia, Grondar, Thule, Atlantis, Lemuria, Pictland and Commoria.
10,000 years ago, these people spoke a similar language, suggesting a common origin. Of their wars and conquests there are more legends than accurate history.- The Pre-Cataclysmic Age.jpg (280.71 KiB) Viewed 1685 times
Then, 6,000 years ago, the cataclysm rocked the world. Atlantis and Lemuria sank, the Pictish islands were heaved up to form the mountain peaks of a new continent, while sections of the Thurian continent vanished under the waves or sinking, forming great inland lakes and seas. Volcanoes broke forth and terrific earthquakes shook down the shining cities of the empires. Whole nations were blotted out and the face of the world was forever changed.
Preserved with him, for his life everlasting in the world beyond this one, is everything he will need to dwell in glory forever in the Land of the Dead... including vast treasures beyond imagining.
Actions?
Status:
- Arthfael Griogarach: Cimmerian Northman Druid 2: AC 6, HP 12/12, Spells: 4/4 1st lvl and 2/3 2nd lvl
Attila: Hyrkanean Nomad Barbarian 1: AC 1, HP 12/12
Biblo Phyle: Zamoran Southman Cleric/Fighter/Magic-User 1/1/1: AC 3, HP 7/7, Spells: 3/4 1st lvl
Garrin Locke: Argosian Atlantean Paladin 1: AC 5, HP 11/11, Laying Hands: 0/1
Gronda: Zembabweian Savage Ranger/Thief 1/2: AC 7, HP 12/17
Loche: Pict Savage Thief 3: AC 5, HP 16/18
Mako: Khitan Easterner Illusionist 2: AC: 7, HP: 6/6, Spells: 1/2 1st lvl
Roan, Son of Rune: Vanir Northman Barbarian 1: AC 4, HP 8/12
- Protection from Evil (Garrin): -2 to AC and +2 to saving throws against evil, in a 10 foot radius around Garrin.
Last edited by Inferno on Mon May 25, 2020 1:04 am, edited 1 time in total.
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hedgeknight
- Rider of Rohan
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Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Roan, Son of Rune
While Biblo rattles on about the history of the world, Roan moves to his left and checks out the northern door. He feels all along the sides of it (those he can reach) for a way to open it.
While Biblo rattles on about the history of the world, Roan moves to his left and checks out the northern door. He feels all along the sides of it (those he can reach) for a way to open it.
Winter is coming...
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Grognardsw
- Rider of Rohan
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Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Biblo Phyle, libriomancer
"Perhaps we can find some of this ancient treasure for all our troubles," I say, concluding my summary of this ancient crypt. They don't seem in the mood for knowledge. Do they not realize knowledge is power?
I test the straps of the donned chainmail and take a drink of water. After several more minutes of rest I feel up to joining the others down below. Within the sandy chamber I make my way to the scorpian, looking to see if it may be possible to cut the giant arachnid poison glands or vessel open to procure its poison.
"Perhaps we can find some of this ancient treasure for all our troubles," I say, concluding my summary of this ancient crypt. They don't seem in the mood for knowledge. Do they not realize knowledge is power?
I test the straps of the donned chainmail and take a drink of water. After several more minutes of rest I feel up to joining the others down below. Within the sandy chamber I make my way to the scorpian, looking to see if it may be possible to cut the giant arachnid poison glands or vessel open to procure its poison.
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Mako:
"Roan! Be careful with that door. The other one over there nearly kill me."
"Roan! Be careful with that door. The other one over there nearly kill me."
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Attila the Nomad
Attila keeps his helmet above his eyes with one hand and munches on scorpion meat with the other, half-listening to Biblo rattle on.
"The spear trap is not so old. I know what this means! There are folk who live here. I know what that means! Food, and water! We have chosen this place rightly."
Attila keeps his helmet above his eyes with one hand and munches on scorpion meat with the other, half-listening to Biblo rattle on.
"The spear trap is not so old. I know what this means! There are folk who live here. I know what that means! Food, and water! We have chosen this place rightly."
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hedgeknight
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Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
"Then come over here and help me figure out how to open it without it killing us!" Roan growls back.DadsAngry wrote:Mako:
"Roan! Be careful with that door. The other one over there nearly kill me."
Winter is coming...
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Arthfael stays out of the way of those experimenting with the doors.
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OGRE MAGE
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Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Seeing the exit to the southern face, Gronda sets to work harvesting what she can of the meat. She cuts it into thin strips for smoking whenever possible. She packs it away tightly, hoping it won't spoil.
Do the pretty pictures tell you what door we should use to find all of this food and treasure?
Do the pretty pictures tell you what door we should use to find all of this food and treasure?