Second Tier of the Great Pyramid, Lost City of Khemsa
Great Eastern Desert, the World of Hyboria
Day One. Night. 13th day of the month of Yuluk, 1279th year of the Age of Aquilonia
Deep within the ancient ruins of a dying civilization, the explorers of the dreaming pyramid ask questions of their host Ghorom, Elder of Osorus.
Ghorom’s memories are a bitter tree bearing crimson fruit. He tells a tragic history of doom, decay and desolation.
Arthfael asks how the dwindling sects avoid extinction if they are divided by gender.
Ghorum replies, “We both doth recruit new members from the general populace, those dreaming worshipers of Zargoth whose number doth surpass that of all adherents of the old gods of Khemsa combined, by a factor of ten.
“Also, in the past, periods of... truce... were deemed necessary by all sects, for the purposes of rebirth and rejuvenation.
"Yet, every generation in Khemsa is smaller than the last.”
Kiri of the mysterious east asks, "Can you tell us what sorts of obstacles we might encounter in our initial travels tomorrow?”
Ghorom answers, “We doth rarely venture beyond the barricade, defending our own realm foremost. And our knowledge of the lower tiers is further suspect, as the infrequent messenger we doth receive cannot tell where drug-fueled delirium leaves off and true memory begins. But we doth believe:
"Below us art the other, misguided, sects of the old gods.
"Beneath them art the catacombs wherein lie the tombs of Xuthalhotep and his court. For thousands of years these bodies hath rested encased, undisturbed.
"Below that, doth begin the hinterlands of the realm of Zargoth; his vile priests, mad dreaming worshipers, and pale, subhuman beast-creatures: Verulians degenerated over the millennia in a black perversion of evolution until they no longer doth resemble us.
"Beneath that is Zargoth’s domain: the undercity and the heinous, profane life spawned by his foul presence, from the pits of blasphemous creation.
"And, throughout all abandoned regions of the great pyramid lurk nameless entities that hath risen up from the black abysses below.”
Gronda asks, "Gracious host, before I sleep, can I ask you about these mists around us? Why do they make me feel so much better and is it possible to harness such power?"
Ghorom answers, "They art the healing mists of Osorus. Harness their power? No need, my child. Their effects will last for months." (See 'PC Magic' below)
“Now, sleep in their blessed embrace, for the hour is late.”
Loche asks, "Whaur kin ah git mah heid doon?"
Ghorom stands and indicates this chamber’s bunks, blankets and furs. “Here, prithee, my friend. I shall hast men posted outside. Tonight thou shall sleep under the protection of the Sons of Osorus. Be at peace, honoured guests. We shall see thee in the morning. And again, thank thee.”
The Sons of Osorus bow and withdraw. The outlanders fall asleep beneath the ancient, lofty and imposing edifices of the pyramid for the first time.
Nightmares of elder things plague their dreams.
Ancient and sinister secrets no man should see, crawling up from beneath the lost city.
The cosmic obscenity of the abysmal horrors of Zargoth torments the subconscious soul with nightmares and psychic dread.
Until all memory of the glory of Khemsa and Verulia is left in ruin and catastrophe.
The explorers awaken in the morning. The incense has stopped burning and they are healed of their injuries.
They open the door, to find the watch still on duty. “Good morning, outlanders,” one hawk helmed guardian greets them. He goes to notify Ghorom of their waking.
High above, a sliver of bright sunlight from a small window cuts through the cool shadows of the towering hallway.
The strangers to Khemsa ready themselves. Ghorom and Horuk arrive. A white blemish, the mark of Osorus, is visible on their hands. “Greetings. I trust thou hast slept well?”
Golden warriors bring warm food, with which to break their fast, and supplies: packed rations of food and water, torches, arrows and bronze daggers; more than they can carry.
“I dareth not clothe thee in golden armour, lest ye be marked as our friends.” Ghorom says.
Then, after the explorers eat and provision themselves...
“Art thou ready to descend into the pyramid?”
Replies? Actions? Please replenish your rations, inventory and spells.
PC Status:
- Arthfael Griogarach: Cimmerian Northman Druid 2: Move: 12", AC: 6, HP: 12/12, Spells: 4/4 1st lvl and 3/3 2nd lvl
Attila: Hyrkanean Nomad Barbarian 1: Move: 12", AC: 1, HP: 12/12
Garrin Locke: Argosian Atlantean Paladin 2: Move: 12", AC: 5, HP: 18/18, Laying Hands: 1/1
Gronda: Zembabweian Savage Ranger/Thief 1/2: Move: 9", AC: 7, HP: 17/17
Kiri Khutan: Kambujan Easterner Fighter/Magic-User 1/1: Move: 9", AC: 4, HP: 7/7, Spells: 2/2 1st lvl
Loche: Pict Savage Thief 3: Move: 9", AC: 5, HP: 18/18
Mako: Khitan Easterner Illusionist 2: Move: 12", AC: 7, HP: 6/6, Spells: 2/2 1st lvl
Roan, Son of Rune: Vanir Northman Barbarian 2: Move: 15", AC: 4, HP: 23/23
- Protection from Evil (Garrin): -2 to AC and +2 to saving throws against evil, in a 10 foot radius around Garrin.
Healing Mists of Osorus (All): All lost hit points are recovered with 8 hours of sleep. Wakeful rest, or sleeping for less than 8 hours, enables recovery of 1 hit point per hour. Duration: "months."
