Chapter 2: Into The Temple...

Krenmuth turns to Scags and says, "We’re ready when you are, Captain. But first, allow me to give you special protection against evil creatures."

Melianne stays by Hjalrmar, chatting with him while Krenmith and Tenebra make whatever preparations they deem necessary. She doesn't have anything to do herself, having exhausted her magical reserves almost completely and not feeling in the mood for music. She would light a torch to bask in the glory of fire, but pyromaniac tendencies might not be advisable underground...

Scags opens the door. It opens into a new room with an equally large door at the other end. One wing of it is.
At the right you can see that the wall partially collapsed under the weight of the soil on top. Hjalmar looks around the room and moves closer to the opposite door.
Suddenly he lets out a scream, jumps back and points at the door.
It... it's moving! he stammers
Scags rushes through the door as well as the rest of you.
You seem to stand in the pyramid. The angled walls are covered in carvings and jewels. At the top a large red gem is hanging from golden chains.
In the middle of the room a stairway rises up to a platform about 2m/6ft. above the ground. On top of the platform is a throne that is surrounded by decorated walls on three sides. And on top of the throne is a body.
It is wrapped in linen bandages. In the right hand is a sceptre with a large green gem on top.
The body stands up, points its sceptre at you and with a hissing voice it begins to speak
Ra'Thiul hwiv sag? Jer hu'ut maat sak! J'gga zptra mg!

Astrid and Hjalmar exchange concerned looks. I don't understand a single word Astrid whispers and slightly shakes her head

Seeing that the creature seems more inclined to talk than to attack, Annika holsters her crossbow and wand and steps forward, hands raised with palms outward. No other exits from this room. If I was supposed to find 'her', then surely this is she.

Keeping her eyes on the creature for any sign of hostile intent, she gives a formal bow. "Greetings, ancient one. We do not mean to disturb your rest, but we cannot understand your speech. Are you familiar with our tongue?"

When Krenmuth entered the room, hammer and shield ready, he himself was not ready for a throne room below ground, let alone a throne room with a walking, talking occupant. Before he could decide which spell would best aid their attack, he hears it speak and Annika respond. He hesitates and keeps his eye on the scepter. Maybe Annika can find out its purpose here. Better yet, somehow discover a weakness.

Melianne remains in Hjalmar's orbit, staying by the doorway and carefully watching the exchange between Annika and the undead, who Firebird can only speculate to be the temple's late owner - high priest, or whatever the term would be. At the very least they seem willing to talk, which is a notable improvement over their colleagues from before, but the tone of their voice unnerves her. It sounded like a demand; understandable, if the undead ruler thinks that they are intruders in their domain...

"Neither do I," the dancer whispers to the archaeologists. "It's certainly not Elvish."

The creature slightly tilts its head and seems to ponder your words. Then it stands up and begins to descend the stairs.
You... speak the tongue of the slave peoples. Who allowed you to walk these halls? Where are your owners? Why are you armed? the creature hisses.
In slow steps it nears you. What do you want to do?

"That's a surprisingly calm reaction from someone thinking that we are runaway slaves," Melianne murmurs quietly to Hjalmar, elbowing him to get his attention. "And who is also probably centuries old. They would be a gold mine of whatever historical stuff you and Astrid want to know, wouldn't they? Maybe we can convince them to tell about their land before they decide to remove us forcefully."

And she would try, in another situation - but for now Melianne is wisely waiting to see what her companions decide to do, not trusting her half-baked idea to be the best course of action.

Annika holds her ground as the creature approaches, trying not to show any sign of discomfort in the walking corpse's presence.

"We are free citizens of the Four Cities. Whatever civilisation your people once commanded is lost to time, so long ago that not even our historians know of it. We were exploring this ruin in the hopes that we might learn more about the ancients who once lived here - we did not expect to meet one in person. I am Annika Helminster of Bridgeton. And you are?"

Krenmuth thinks, We should spread out in case there's trouble. He slowly moves 10 feet south as the creature gets closer.

I guess so... But I don't think that this fellow is likely to sit down with us over a cup of tea. Even though it certainly needs a drink Hjalmar whispers and winks at Melianne

Scags notices how Krenmuth changes position, gives a slight nod and changes position too.

The creature descends the stairs and now stands directly in front of Annika, looking down at her both literally and figuratively
It smells of dust and incense.
It seems to ponder Annika's words. It then hisses: Free citizens? Lost in time? You clearly don't know what you are talking about. If the situation was differently I'd have you all executed at once! But you have proven yourself to be useful by opening the temple. You can also open the palace! I will allow you to serve me and the High Mage
The creature raises its arm and tries to touch Annika's face.

Annika recoils, wrestling with the invasive thoughts. The green flame surges in her mind, burning away the intrusion. Shaking her head to clear it, she says, "I am nobody's servant. But thank you for telling us about the sealed palace - we will be glad to find the way in. Would you prefer to assist us, or be destroyed?"

Pick ‘be destroyed’, thinks Krenmuth. He watches the foul creature’s reaction, ready to charge and swing if it tries to attack.

The creature recoils as if it was hit by an invisible punch. It then glares at Annika. She thinks she can see two eyes between the bandages.
It then points its sceptre at Annika
You WILL serve me. The only question is wether you are alive the experience the joy of serving me or not. You have picked the latter...
It begins to swing its sceptre at Annika.

Melianne winces upon seeing the interaction between Annika and the undead ruler, and gestures for Hjalmar to get behind her. "Why doesn't anyone value diplomacy among these parts? Verbal sparring is much more fascinating!" She complains to one in particular as she draws her weapon and points an accusatory finger at the mummy. "You brought it upon yourself, mister!"

The creature's movements are stiff and slow, but its intent is clear. Annika nods grimly, and speaks a curse.

"D̸̬͂e̶͔̐a̸̺͊ṫ̴̹h̵̳̾ ̷̥̈ț̵̓o̷̮̓ ̷̘̾ṫ̸͍y̷͖̅r̸̼͗a̶̤̚n̸̤̿ț̵̔s̴̜͂."

She follows this up with a bolt of dark power, while drawing her rapier.15/15 (+8) hp | AC 14 | Spells 1/2 | Concentration: Hex