[Gameplay] Part 1: The Lottery & Tomb of Akhentepi

There is little happening tonight at the Tooth & Hookah.

There is a general sort of buzz, many folk discussing the lottery. A few have picked favorites, and are discussing the chances of survival or success.

Quite a few are anxious, a kind of dread best categorized by "that which is dead should remain undisturbed". Almost a state motto in Wati, until today.

Speculation on the motives of the Phasmines and the Pharoah, general excitement about the unknown, and legitimate concern about ancient curses and the living dead.

Bernard will do his best o listen for information about any of the other groups, and if any are present, try and run a surreptitious eye over them - after all, despite the rules they were told, human nature suggests at least one of the groups will attempt something nefarious.

Gethean has asked around to see if his friends on the watch and his family have heard anything interesting as of late.

There are no other adventuring parties in the inn tonight it seems, although the Sand Scorpions were here earlier in the day. The Dog Soldiers were turned away by the innkeeper, Farhaan, because there was no accommodation for the halfling team's 'trained' pack of fighting dogs.

Bernard does hear that a few of the Adventuring teams are planning on coming to the Tooth & Hookah after exploring the tombs. It might be the first night or the second, depending on how they all do.

Seeing the main floor of the Tooth and Hookah is fairly quiet, Bernard resolves to retire early, do some last minute study of things he considers relevant for tomorrows efforts, and goes to bed, his excitement at the prospect of finally putting his skills to the test becoming an almost palpable thing.

Due to the quietness of the Tooth and Hookah, as the rest of her companion retreat Khadi also leaves to go to the haunts more popular with workers and the locals, just enjoying the night bit also trying see if anyone has heard anything about Akentepi or the other groups. Eventually she will return home, ready to rise with the sun to pray and prepare.

Shortly after Bernard retires to the rooms Gethean decides to retire for the night as well.

The next morning you arrive. You've paid your custom for your prior night's stay, and packed up all of your belongings for what could potentially be a multi-day trek into the necropolis. You know that you'll be on your own, with no recourse to guard patrols or supply vendors. The gates are closed, and at the appointed time, the priests perform a brief ceremony. You hear again the reverence the Pharasmins have for the necropolis, and how reluctant they are for the the place to be treated with anything other than that same reverence. They call upon the adventuring bands to remember their sacred duty, and that anyone caught desecrating or unduly destroying property will have their eligibility withdrawn from future assignments.

When the gates open the various teams enter cautiously, and proceed in one of several directions. You know your assignment is to at the far end, slightly to the left of how you pass through the gates.

---

How do you proceed? The streets are wide enough for three or four abreast if that is your choice, but give me a base marching order. Also, you can discuss your path, but from the map I will otherwise assume that you will go through 14, head along the road between 2 and 4, toward 26 and then to 23 which is your location.

Bernard would prefer to adopt a position in the middle area of the party, recognising his fragile nature provides him little semblance of endurance should he be the firs tot come under attack from any particular direction.

Determining route he leaves to the members of the party more expert in that sort of thing.

Khadi radiates excitement as she waits for the gates to open. Bouncing on the spot she keeps rotating her shoulders trying to adjust to the weight of the new crossbow slung across her back. She told people not to rely on her aim but quite a few, her fathers included, had insisted on some sort of weapon.

As the gates open she wants to rush forward but resists nodding to the others with a grin. The streets of the necropolis could hold dangers, and with armour interfering with her ability to manipulate positive energy she had begrudgingly accepted maybe she shouldn't go first.

'To adventure new knowledge and proving ourselves then?' She grins even more at her comp anions as she settle in behind some of the others.

Iseret prefers to remain in the second rank so that she has easy access to doors and traps, but is not in the first wave of fighting. The route is fine with her. She falls into step with the rest of the group, eyes wide with wonder at the necropolis around her.

Esmae seeing the party leave the inn, she makes a slight donation to the Clerics of Sarenrae before she meets up with them..

Gethean waits for the party to move out before falling in at the end of the column, from patrolling this city with the watch for decades, he knows trouble can come from anywhere, even below the shifting sands. The route seems like it is reasonable but he is always ready for anything, he hopes.

Jaware will stay at the rear.

You pass quickly through the first square, around Pharasma's Needle, and into the streets.Deeper into the necropolis, passing decrepit buildings in largely good repair despite the centuries, but obviously worn by weather, you come across a group of priests. They hail you in the street as you approach.

"Hail, adventurers. Do you have your token?" They eye you suspiciously, but not hostilely. You can tell that they're checking your gear and belongings, but for what, isn't apparent.

'Certainly friend!' Khadi moves to the side of Esme and holds up the token with their destination, but makes sure the paladin is still slightly in front. It was likely silly to be on guard, but the cleric is charged with adrenaline, ready for danger. 'Is everything alright?'

The priests gently accept the token and peer at the rune. He hands it back, asking, "Which site is this for?"

'The tomb of Akentepi. Do you know anything about the site?'

The priest nods and they stand aside. "Safe journey, friends. The road is clear most of the way, but keep an eye out. There are dangers about."

They allow you to pass without any further questions.