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Astrologers Tower

The fifty foot square outer walls of this 5 story stone tower are completely covered in deep carvings of mathematical equations, astrological symbols, and arcane sigils of every size and shape imaginable. Each story narrows as the tower rises into the sky, and an obvious observatory can be seen atop, with strangely shaped brass devices that harmlessly reflect beams of glowing desert sunlight. The aging structure itself and the cramped city streets surrounding it always appear very well kept, though you don’t recall ever seeing a custodian of sorts anywhere nearby.

Inside, Xambaala’s most erudite scholars, philosophers, astrologers, sorcerers, mathematicians, and poets engage in deep debates and wild conversations while smoking very long pipes and drinking fine, locally vinified pomegranate wine.

The ground floor consists of a dusty old library with bookshelves that line the outer floor and a common sitting area that dominates the central portion of the main room. Here is where the most learned sages and savants speak of the mysteries they’ve viewed throughout the long night skies, endlessly declaiming the possible implications of such discoveries.

Xenos leads Akhilleus and the others to the base of the Astrologers tower, where he looks for someone who might be able to help them:

"Excuse me sirs, my companions and I have recovered materials that your learned selves might find useful in your potions and enchantments."

A pair of large armed Xambaali guards stand outside the entrance to the tower, crossing their spears to block entry into the building when Xenos approaches.

The guards hear him out, but stare in confusion at his dripping wet bloody sack.

"And what is it that you think happens in here? Strange experiments? Bloodletting? Maybe......surgery?"

"What is it that you have there, anyway? It stinks to the high heavens, and it isn't going anywhere inside."

Xenos

"These are rare organs and parts of a giant crocodile we killed. They are efficacious in the creation of potions that allow breath underwater and other parts are useful for the creation of certain charms, amongst other things. If you have alchemists and sorcerers within I am sure that some of them are likely to be interested in procuring them. Of course, we do not wish to make a mess of the fine floor of the library, so if there is another entrance we could use? Time is of the essence, if left too long they will be of no use, and I am sure none of us want to upset your employers...I don't want to tell them that they are spoiled because of a delay you caused."

Valkrina

"Well these reptilian organs are rare compounds. When did you last see a still bearing crocodile heart? Spleen, liver, more liver, pituitary gland, testes, tailbone, all good innards and outards'; plus enough skin to tailor a fine boiled hide."

She tries a bit of salesmanship on the guard. "The stargazers, sages and alchemists really do have an interest in such rare and exotic compounds." she adds.

Valkrina charisma check vs 16 [1d20]=2

Akhilleus hesitates to say more, given the flurry of arguments put forth by his companions.

Finally, he nods saying: "And it's big."

Tuurma, looking and smelling closest to a stinking surgery experiment of all of them, stays in the back, marveling at the salesmanship displayed by her companions.

"Hey, I think most of this is starting to coagulate" she says, scraping her fingernail over some green/red patch of liquid on her breastpiece. "It will certainly be spoilt if the guards are going to keep stalling us like this."

The pair of guards seem more disgusted with each new arrival's inquiry.

"This is not the place you seek. We cannot allow you inside with that........." he points first to the bloody sack and then to Tuurma next. "Or that."

The other man speaks next, trying to make a compromise. "Is there someone inside that you know? Can you give us a name that we may bring them out here to you?"

Actions?

Xenos thinks for a moment before speaking

"Is Servento Nathrak currently in residence?"

Tuurma raises an eyebrow and eagerly awaits an answer from the guard.

Valkrina

Well if her charismatic smile is not enough she just shuffles her feet.

Akhilleus waits for an answer, thanking Helios for having a companion that knows his way in this city.

The guard looks at the face of Xenos for a good long uncomfortable while before responding.

"I believe Master Nathrak is indeed inside. Tell me how you know the man and I will take your name to him. If he confirms that he knows you, I will bring him here to you."

The other guard keeps a close watch on the blood caked pale skinned woman and her cohorts, still sneering from under his uniform helmet.

Actions?

Xenos meets the gaze of the guard, bringing to mind the attitude of his father's retainers when dealing with people like this and trying to exude confidence.

"My name is Xenos. Master Nathrak and I have an associate in common, captain Raffin Tessario."

Tuurma meets the gaze of the other guard.

"And what the fuck are you looking at? Never seen a grown woman before?!"

Akhilleus

"Tuurma, you're the only one here covered in blood from head to toe. You should've washed yourself in the oasis before coming here." He whispers to the barbarian. "Besides, let's not make enemies or we won't be able to sell our merchandise."

Turma talks between her teeth sort of whisper-screaming.

"No I should not have cleaned myself in those waters, I'd been the best bait ever for other members of that beast's family, covered in blood and sitting alone!"

She calms down.

"I'm sorry, I'm just very tired, very dirty and completely broke. Let's just get these things sold and then get out of here."

When the first guard heads inside with his information, Tuurma does what she does best. The guard she yells at looks back at her incredulously for a long moment before stepping forward, away from the closed door. "If I knew what you were, freak, there would be no need to stare. But you don't look like anyone I have ever seen before. Are you........are you.........a true Hyperborean?"

Actions?

Drest, Kang, and Cyril can suddenly be seen through the crowd walking towards the tower from a distance.

Kang appears to be in better health, but Cyril the strange priest of Azathoth, looks nearly dead from his recent wounds.

They approach the tower apprehensively before Drest offends someone again.

Kang AC:7 4/8
Cyril AC:8 1/5 CF/CLW
Drest AC:7 16/16

Akhilleus AC:4 32/32
Valkrina AC:7 16/16 FF/H
Tuurma AC:3 13/13
Xenos AC:6 12/12 CT/CT

Drest

OGRE MAGE wrote: ↑Wed Oct 26, 2022 2:24 pm They approach the tower apprehensively before Drest offends someone again.

LOL, True.

"We finally found you, we thought you got lost somewhere again."