The climb takes its toll on Garrin, and again he is forced to stop.
He wonders how such a colossal monument ever came to be...either through boundless faith or upon the backs of slaves. He has the impression it is the latter.
He resumes his climb.
Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Garrin Locke:
The climb takes its toll on Garrin, and again he is forced to stop.
He wonders how such a colossal monument ever came to be...either through boundless faith or upon the backs of slaves. He has the impression it is the latter.
He resumes his climb.
The climb takes its toll on Garrin, and again he is forced to stop.
He wonders how such a colossal monument ever came to be...either through boundless faith or upon the backs of slaves. He has the impression it is the latter.
He resumes his climb.
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OGRE MAGE
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Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Gronda is dead tired from the grueling climb, but she does not complain. She has endured far worse in her lifetime than a few sore muscles. She is about to go take a closer look at the arm until she sees the huge brute coming for it.
Instead, she stays back, thinking that if there was an opening of some sort up here, it might only be temporarily covered over with sand. She hold her hands out, trying to stop any of the others from getting too close to the newly formed dune.
She checks over the edge on the holy warrior, seeing if he will survive the climb. She waves to the sluggards far below then looks around in the sand to see it there has been any movement up here recently.
Instead, she stays back, thinking that if there was an opening of some sort up here, it might only be temporarily covered over with sand. She hold her hands out, trying to stop any of the others from getting too close to the newly formed dune.
She checks over the edge on the holy warrior, seeing if he will survive the climb. She waves to the sluggards far below then looks around in the sand to see it there has been any movement up here recently.
-
Grognardsw
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 13010
- Joined: Wed Jun 26, 2013 12:30 pm
- Location: ImagiNation
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Biblo Phyle, libriomancer
The sage uses his time to his Magic Missile dweomer. Then he turns to begin the lengthy study a new alteration spell, Zath's Step of the Arachnid, from the dead Goniza's occult grimoire. Biblo estimates it will take about 16 hours to hopefully learn the spell.
As the sun sets, Biblo peers into the shadows.
"Things come out in the night," he says to Arthfael.
Biblo lights a candle to read by. Suddenly he burps and taste of Cimmerian meat rises in his throat. He hopes his comrades on the pyramid aren't suffering too adversely from starvation.
An hour goes by before a wave from Gronda signifies they have found something up there.
The sage uses his time to his Magic Missile dweomer. Then he turns to begin the lengthy study a new alteration spell, Zath's Step of the Arachnid, from the dead Goniza's occult grimoire. Biblo estimates it will take about 16 hours to hopefully learn the spell.
As the sun sets, Biblo peers into the shadows.
"Things come out in the night," he says to Arthfael.
Biblo lights a candle to read by. Suddenly he burps and taste of Cimmerian meat rises in his throat. He hopes his comrades on the pyramid aren't suffering too adversely from starvation.
An hour goes by before a wave from Gronda signifies they have found something up there.
Last edited by Grognardsw on Wed Jul 27, 2016 4:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Arthfael sees Gronda wave. Is that a signal? He doesn't know if that's the signal. He waves back.
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
After almost an hour of climbing, Loche collapses onto his back once he reaches the summit. Too tired to reveal his disappointment at the lack of an obvious entrance, he stares up at the impressive collection of stone statues that still tower over them, even at this height. He wonders how these massive structures were created, and why, but quickly attempts to relax his mind to match his already resting body. It takes a few minutes before he is successful.
Before able to completely relax, his mind races with potential next courses of action. Clearly, the entire flat surface needs to be searched in hope there is an entrance the group has simply not seen yet. The gigantic stone statues may contain an entrance as well, and must be investigated. Then there's the arm, but he will let Roan deal with that.
Rest. Must rest.
He allows his eyes to close, but manages, with some effort, to convince his dry throat to release some spoken words before finally succumbing to the need rest.
"A'm aff tae lie 'ere fur a bawherr, bit it's imperitive we search ilka inch o' this surface tae fin' a wey inside.
Or else... "
Before able to completely relax, his mind races with potential next courses of action. Clearly, the entire flat surface needs to be searched in hope there is an entrance the group has simply not seen yet. The gigantic stone statues may contain an entrance as well, and must be investigated. Then there's the arm, but he will let Roan deal with that.
Rest. Must rest.
He allows his eyes to close, but manages, with some effort, to convince his dry throat to release some spoken words before finally succumbing to the need rest.
"A'm aff tae lie 'ere fur a bawherr, bit it's imperitive we search ilka inch o' this surface tae fin' a wey inside.
Or else... "
-- Games --
- DM: In Development
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Day One
The Lost City of the Ancients, Great Eastern Desert, the World of Hyboria
13th day of the month of Yuluk, 1279th year of the Age of Aquilonia
Almost dusk. Scorching, arid, cloudless
Inside the shattered temple of the nameless city, Biblo creates light by which to study.
Arthfael watches the summit of the Great Pyramid of Xuthalhotep. The Cimmerian druid spies a tiny figure there, waving down. Is it a signal?
Atop that towering pinnacle, the starving survivors look out over the seemingly infinite sands of eternity.
Just below them, on the western face, Garrin of Argos is nearly at the zenith of the Pyramid, and of his excruciating ordeal. Man's will to survive knows no limits. His strength, however, is another story.
Above, Gronda croaks hoarsely, "...a human arm." The savage hunter sees that the virgin sand dune atop it is trackless.
Roan of Vanaheim grabs the lifeless arm emerging from beneath the rooftop dune. He pulls the dry limb but its body won't come free of the sand mound; something holds it fast. The Vanir barbarian yanks and shakes it with all his remaining might and suddenly, beneath the sand, something slowly shifts. The dune starts to sink and wither from its center, like the sand in the top of an hour glass.
The dune is apparently pouring down into a sinkhole, waning, writhing, draining away. Gronda and Loche begin to recover from their grueling tests of will. They join Mako and Roan as they draw nearer to investigate the shrinking sands.
When the dune is all but gone, what lays revealed is a dead body, face down, half wedged in an open trap door in the roof of the pyramid! The hinged stone slab, held open by the corpse, was designed to hide a secret entrance. When Roan pulled the stuck body, it opened the trapdoor wider, causing the rooftop portal to swallow the dune.
The sandstorm that created this dune raged a week ago. Gronda and Roan estimate the dry, desiccated remains are several weeks dead. Strangely, there is no sign that birds or other animals have been at the carcass.
The cadaver wears only a savage's loincloth. He seems to have no possessions. Just half the body is visible; from bare feet to lower back, and one thick arm. His skin is reddish brown; burned, blistered, bubbled and burst from prolonged exposure to the merciless sun; it resembles tanned leather now more than any human flesh. From the half they can see, the remains are of a thickly muscled, powerful brute, almost ape-like, but furless as a Man.
The sun is an hour away from setting.
Actions?
Lost City Area Map:
The PCs are divided between 7 and 8.
Status:
The Lost City of the Ancients, Great Eastern Desert, the World of Hyboria
13th day of the month of Yuluk, 1279th year of the Age of Aquilonia
Almost dusk. Scorching, arid, cloudless
Inside the shattered temple of the nameless city, Biblo creates light by which to study.
Arthfael watches the summit of the Great Pyramid of Xuthalhotep. The Cimmerian druid spies a tiny figure there, waving down. Is it a signal?
Atop that towering pinnacle, the starving survivors look out over the seemingly infinite sands of eternity.
Just below them, on the western face, Garrin of Argos is nearly at the zenith of the Pyramid, and of his excruciating ordeal. Man's will to survive knows no limits. His strength, however, is another story.
Above, Gronda croaks hoarsely, "...a human arm." The savage hunter sees that the virgin sand dune atop it is trackless.
Roan of Vanaheim grabs the lifeless arm emerging from beneath the rooftop dune. He pulls the dry limb but its body won't come free of the sand mound; something holds it fast. The Vanir barbarian yanks and shakes it with all his remaining might and suddenly, beneath the sand, something slowly shifts. The dune starts to sink and wither from its center, like the sand in the top of an hour glass.
The dune is apparently pouring down into a sinkhole, waning, writhing, draining away. Gronda and Loche begin to recover from their grueling tests of will. They join Mako and Roan as they draw nearer to investigate the shrinking sands.
When the dune is all but gone, what lays revealed is a dead body, face down, half wedged in an open trap door in the roof of the pyramid! The hinged stone slab, held open by the corpse, was designed to hide a secret entrance. When Roan pulled the stuck body, it opened the trapdoor wider, causing the rooftop portal to swallow the dune.
The sandstorm that created this dune raged a week ago. Gronda and Roan estimate the dry, desiccated remains are several weeks dead. Strangely, there is no sign that birds or other animals have been at the carcass.
The cadaver wears only a savage's loincloth. He seems to have no possessions. Just half the body is visible; from bare feet to lower back, and one thick arm. His skin is reddish brown; burned, blistered, bubbled and burst from prolonged exposure to the merciless sun; it resembles tanned leather now more than any human flesh. From the half they can see, the remains are of a thickly muscled, powerful brute, almost ape-like, but furless as a Man.
The sun is an hour away from setting.
Actions?
Lost City Area Map:
- The Lost City 7.jpg (685.14 KiB) Viewed 2384 times
Status:
- Arthfael Griogarach: Cimmerian Northman Druid 2: AC 6, HP 12/12, Spells: 4/4 1st lvl and 2/3 2nd lvl
Biblo Phyle: Zamoran Southman Cleric/Fighter/Magic-User 1/1/1: AC 1, HP 7/7, Spells: 2/4 1st lvl
Garrin Locke: Argosian Atlantean Paladin 1: AC 3, 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 17/18
Mako: Khitan Easterner Illusionist 2: AC: 7, HP: 6/6, Spells: 2/2 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 12:06 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Mako:
"A way in! A way in! A way in!" he shouts down to the temple below as he flails his arms and dances with excitement. "Asura be praised!"
"A way in! A way in! A way in!" he shouts down to the temple below as he flails his arms and dances with excitement. "Asura be praised!"
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Arthfael exhales with relief and heads for the pyramid. Once there, he begins climbing tirelessly but carefully up the stone blocks.
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OGRE MAGE
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Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Gronda
We should wait until the others get up here before removing that carcass any further. If there are more like him inside, we should face them with a full arsenal.
She looks all the way down again and smiles, knowing what the robes are in for. She takes the time to look around now that the sun is going down. She takes in the beauty of the carved statues, wondering how the builders got them up this high. She then looks out upon the vast desert beyond the buildings.
Again she marvels at the sheer size and scale of these monuments, finally realizing how they also line up perfectly with the compass points and each other. She knows in her heart that there is more to this place than a few big piles of stones and she steels her mind against the possibilities of what they might find in this place.
She drops back down a few tiers of blocks and finds a nice quiet spot to watch the others climb as the sun sets. This will be a lot worse for them when it gets dark, she quietly murmurs.
We should wait until the others get up here before removing that carcass any further. If there are more like him inside, we should face them with a full arsenal.
She looks all the way down again and smiles, knowing what the robes are in for. She takes the time to look around now that the sun is going down. She takes in the beauty of the carved statues, wondering how the builders got them up this high. She then looks out upon the vast desert beyond the buildings.
Again she marvels at the sheer size and scale of these monuments, finally realizing how they also line up perfectly with the compass points and each other. She knows in her heart that there is more to this place than a few big piles of stones and she steels her mind against the possibilities of what they might find in this place.
She drops back down a few tiers of blocks and finds a nice quiet spot to watch the others climb as the sun sets. This will be a lot worse for them when it gets dark, she quietly murmurs.
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Garrin Locke:
Garrin concludes his vespers to Mitra and continues his grueling climb.
This tribulation has completely drained the holy warrior both mentally and physically; however, it has not shaken him in the least spiritually.
When he reaches the monument's apex, he rests to regain his breath and his composure before helping the others with investigating the trapdoor.
Garrin concludes his vespers to Mitra and continues his grueling climb.
This tribulation has completely drained the holy warrior both mentally and physically; however, it has not shaken him in the least spiritually.
When he reaches the monument's apex, he rests to regain his breath and his composure before helping the others with investigating the trapdoor.
-
Grognardsw
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 13010
- Joined: Wed Jun 26, 2013 12:30 pm
- Location: ImagiNation
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
"Ah, they have found something."Grognardsw wrote:Biblo Phyle, libriomancer
The sage uses his time to set the mystic energies of the Magic Missile dweomer in his mind. Then he turns to begin the lengthy study a new alteration spell, Zath's Step of the Arachnid, from the dead Goniza's occult grimoire. Biblo estimates it will take about 16 hours to hopefully learn the spell.
As the sun sets, Biblo peers into the shadows.
"Things come out in the night," he says to Arthfael.
Biblo lights a candle to read by. Suddenly he burps and taste of Cimmerian meat rises in his throat. He hopes his comrades on the pyramid aren't suffering too adversely from starvation.
An hour goes by before a wave from Gronda signifies they have found something up there.
Biblo puts out the candle and puts the book away. He carefully looks about the area as he approaches the wall. He takes off half his ragged chain mail, stuffs in backpack, sets it atop the ledge, climbs up, and repeats.
Dex. (18) [1d20] = 17, Con. (9) [1d20] = 14
Str. check [1d20] = 19
Last edited by Grognardsw on Sat Jul 30, 2016 12:16 am, edited 2 times in total.
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Loche, still lying on his back and recovering from their monumental climb, secretly smiles; relieved that his decision to climb the pyramid and the resulting efforts were not in vain. 'Let the others worry about gaining access through the trap door,' he thinks to himself as he attempts to return to his nap, figuring he'll be able to get at least an hour or two of nothingness while those that remained down below begin their climbs.
Nothingness. It suits the Pict just fine.
Nothingness. It suits the Pict just fine.
-- Games --
- DM: In Development
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Day One
The Lost City of the Ancients, Great Eastern Desert, the World of Hyboria
13th day of the month of Yuluk, 1279th year of the Age of Aquilonia
Dusk. Scorching, arid, cloudless
Arthfael and Biblo begin their own crucibles of the soul. Sated with human flesh, their odyssey of mind, body and will is far less harrowing.
High above them, Gronda the savage scouts the area around the pyramid's dizzying zenith and finds no tracks in the week-old sand from the storm.
In time, Garrin of Argos summits at last and collapses in exhaustion. Ten minutes later, he recovers as Arthfael completes the climb and wearily takes his rest. The slow, heavily burdened Biblo is only halfway through his grueling ascent. With 30 lbs of books in tow, he acutely feels the weight of his madness pressing down upon him.
Roan the barbarian, among the first to summit, is impatient from starvation. The massive Vanir lifts the stone slab, turns the dead body over and is suddenly struck by two grisly revelations: Its face is completely gone, eaten away by rats or other animal ghouls. And a large crossbow bolt is impaled deep in the corpse's chest, caked with dried blood.
The body is strong and broad, with unnaturally wide shoulders and a bull neck. The skin that was sheltered from the sun by the trapdoor is bone white, as is the thick tangle of hair that remains behind its head. The exposed skull is utterly bestial; a low forehead, heavy brow, and oversized canine fangs. And yet there is something in the hands, in the construction of its garment, that sets this creature apart from the truly animal. This monstrous body housed a brain and soul that were just budding into something vaguely human. The survivors can't help but recognize a faint and hideous kinship with this brutish monstrosity. There is the fleeting realization of the abysses of bellowing bestiality up through which humanity has painfully toiled.
The juxtaposition is bizarre: a missing link of savage heritage out of the dark, distant past of Man's primitive ancestry, here atop the crowning achievement of Man's advanced mastery of mathematics, engineering and civilization.
The stone trapdoor in Roan's hand leads down into the Great Pyramid. The darkness below whispers a cool breath as the towering stone colossi above glow with red sunlight, echoing the color of the setting sun, and of fresh blood.
Actions?
Please read:
Lost City Area Map:
The PCs are at or near 8.
Status:
The Lost City of the Ancients, Great Eastern Desert, the World of Hyboria
13th day of the month of Yuluk, 1279th year of the Age of Aquilonia
Dusk. Scorching, arid, cloudless
Arthfael and Biblo begin their own crucibles of the soul. Sated with human flesh, their odyssey of mind, body and will is far less harrowing.
High above them, Gronda the savage scouts the area around the pyramid's dizzying zenith and finds no tracks in the week-old sand from the storm.
In time, Garrin of Argos summits at last and collapses in exhaustion. Ten minutes later, he recovers as Arthfael completes the climb and wearily takes his rest. The slow, heavily burdened Biblo is only halfway through his grueling ascent. With 30 lbs of books in tow, he acutely feels the weight of his madness pressing down upon him.
Roan the barbarian, among the first to summit, is impatient from starvation. The massive Vanir lifts the stone slab, turns the dead body over and is suddenly struck by two grisly revelations: Its face is completely gone, eaten away by rats or other animal ghouls. And a large crossbow bolt is impaled deep in the corpse's chest, caked with dried blood.
The body is strong and broad, with unnaturally wide shoulders and a bull neck. The skin that was sheltered from the sun by the trapdoor is bone white, as is the thick tangle of hair that remains behind its head. The exposed skull is utterly bestial; a low forehead, heavy brow, and oversized canine fangs. And yet there is something in the hands, in the construction of its garment, that sets this creature apart from the truly animal. This monstrous body housed a brain and soul that were just budding into something vaguely human. The survivors can't help but recognize a faint and hideous kinship with this brutish monstrosity. There is the fleeting realization of the abysses of bellowing bestiality up through which humanity has painfully toiled.
The juxtaposition is bizarre: a missing link of savage heritage out of the dark, distant past of Man's primitive ancestry, here atop the crowning achievement of Man's advanced mastery of mathematics, engineering and civilization.
The stone trapdoor in Roan's hand leads down into the Great Pyramid. The darkness below whispers a cool breath as the towering stone colossi above glow with red sunlight, echoing the color of the setting sun, and of fresh blood.
Actions?
Please read:
Lost City Area Map:
- The Lost City 8.jpg (667.07 KiB) Viewed 2358 times
Status:
- Arthfael Griogarach: Cimmerian Northman Druid 2: AC 6, HP 12/12, Spells: 4/4 1st lvl and 2/3 2nd lvl
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 17/18
Mako: Khitan Easterner Illusionist 2: AC: 7, HP: 6/6, Spells: 2/2 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 12:12 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Mako:
Mako sits down and watches the sun set while he waits for the others to ascend.
Mako sits down and watches the sun set while he waits for the others to ascend.
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
-
Grognardsw
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 13010
- Joined: Wed Jun 26, 2013 12:30 pm
- Location: ImagiNation
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Biblo, sorcerer sage
57-58-59
I will never travel the deserts again.
60-61-62
57-58-59
I will never travel the deserts again.
60-61-62
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hedgeknight
- Rider of Rohan
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- Location: NC
- Contact:
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Roan, Son of Rune
He swallows a few times, trying to get enough spit for his parched throat. "I say we go in. The cannibals will make it or not; I don't care one way or the other. We might find water inside, and food! The longer we wait, the closer we are to death."
He swallows a few times, trying to get enough spit for his parched throat. "I say we go in. The cannibals will make it or not; I don't care one way or the other. We might find water inside, and food! The longer we wait, the closer we are to death."
Winter is coming...
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Garrin Locke:
Garrin praises Mitra for reaching the summit safely, then turns to Roan, "Aye, I too am for entering, but we must wait until the Zamoran ascends. Cannibal he may be, but we cannot leave the man out here alone." He peers down the steep stones, trying to gain sight of the strange Southman.
Garrin praises Mitra for reaching the summit safely, then turns to Roan, "Aye, I too am for entering, but we must wait until the Zamoran ascends. Cannibal he may be, but we cannot leave the man out here alone." He peers down the steep stones, trying to gain sight of the strange Southman.
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OGRE MAGE
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- Joined: Tue Mar 04, 2014 3:16 pm
- Location: The Birthplace of RPG's
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
Gronda climbs back to the top refreshed and joins the others at the hatch.
Should we light a torch and drop it inside while we wait for the others or let one of the spell casters lighten it up down there? All I have is a few candles.
The weathered woman puts her face very close to the opening, straining to hear or smell anything that might be emanating up from below.
Should we light a torch and drop it inside while we wait for the others or let one of the spell casters lighten it up down there? All I have is a few candles.
The weathered woman puts her face very close to the opening, straining to hear or smell anything that might be emanating up from below.
Re: Chapter 2: Pyramid of the Dead
"A'm wi' th' barbarian here," Loche says, indicating Roan. "The advantages ur mony: we git oot o' th' blasted sun; we mibeez aye, mibeez naw fin' fairn or dram; 'n' we mak' sure th' entrance is secure."
"Once thay reach th' tap, ye ken they're aff tae need tae rest. Thay, na doubt, wull wantae rest ben, na?" He allows his words to linger for a moment, then, as if he considered them himself, he apparently has made his decision. "Ye ken, forgoat it. A'm gaun in. Anyone wanna jyne me?"
The Pict moves to the entry and looks down below, trying to ascertain how far down into the pyramid they must drop. If he determines the distance to be safe, he will lower himself down. If there are hand or footholds to assist in his climb, he will use those. If neither are possible, he turns to the rest: "A'body git ony rope?"
Translations:
"Once thay reach th' tap, ye ken they're aff tae need tae rest. Thay, na doubt, wull wantae rest ben, na?" He allows his words to linger for a moment, then, as if he considered them himself, he apparently has made his decision. "Ye ken, forgoat it. A'm gaun in. Anyone wanna jyne me?"
The Pict moves to the entry and looks down below, trying to ascertain how far down into the pyramid they must drop. If he determines the distance to be safe, he will lower himself down. If there are hand or footholds to assist in his climb, he will use those. If neither are possible, he turns to the rest: "A'body git ony rope?"
Translations:
-- Games --
- DM: In Development