[Gameplay] 7. The Search for the Forgotten Pharoah

"Well, then, we may as well get started," Iseret says with a heavy sigh.

"A thousand thanks," Tabat grumbles, then looks to Iseret. "I suppose so." His eyes take in the large room and shakes his head at the daunting feat ahead before moving to a nearby shelf and scanning the titles.

Well look at it this way. At least there are no skeletons for once' She chuckles as she joins in the search.

The Spiral Archive is located below the Great Library’s Outer Sanctum, past the door of the eye and down the limestone stairs. Unless otherwise noted, ceilings within the Spiral Archive are 10 feet high, and rooms and corridors are lit with regularly spaced continual flames.

You enter the archives, you're on a long tunnel leading ahead then branching to the right. Ahead is a hexagonal chamber, but to the right the passage curves and you can't see much without entering it. Which way do you go?

Tabat gestures to the hexagonal chamber, "Let's check there first. We'll probably need to turn this place over quite thoroughly to find what we're looking for, and I don't relish the idea of circling back."

Khadi nods. 'I agree. One room at a time'

The walls of this hexagonal chamber are covered with scribbles carved into the stone. More alarming than that is a large demon!

The creature steps forward, it's body poised for battle. In your mind you hear it's gravely thought-voice. "Intruders. Give me your names and I'll record them here for all of time, on my wall of fallen heroes."

"Sorry. Wrong turn," Iseret says only half-jokingly, drawing her weapon. "I don't suppose you'll surrender and save us the trouble of adding your name to that list?"

Tabat pulls the paper from where it is tucked behind his armor and holds it up. "We are not intruders. We are here as invited guests." He holds his breath, hoping the writ they carry is sufficient.

The demon growls. "Very well. Don't lose that paper little person." It laughs. "I will write your names anyway. No one will remember you but I. After your body's feed the rats of course."

"Uh...thanks," Tabat says skeptically. He tucks the paper back behind his armor and nods to the demon before turning back to enter the larger section of the library with the others.

"I better keep this very safe," he says as they walk, tapping a finger against his armor.

Further down the other corridor...This small reading room contains three desks and a handful of uncomfortable-looking chairs. A human woman is currently reading through some books and scrolls in this chamber. She looks up, hearing you as you come down the hallway, and gives a tentative smile. "Hello."

"Hello," Tabat says with a wave, "We didn't mean to interrupt your studying. It is our first time here - do you have any insight on finding materials on particular topics?"

"I'm just reading here really, and in the middle of it." She's nervous about something, like she's hiding something. She doesn't ask what you're looking for.

Do you press her for more information?

"Us too, we're doing research. What are you reading?" Iseret asks innocently.

She snaps her book closed. "Nevermind that. Look, I'll guide you past more of the Spiral's Guardians in exchange for a ring. What do you say, do we have a bargain?"

Tabat looks to the others before hesitantly speaking up, "We do not know who you are or what this ring is that you mention. I would not enter into such a bargain, knowing so little. If you care to elaborate, perhaps."

She sighs. "Any ring will do. I like rings."

Iseret examines the ring finger of her left hand, where she wears her ring of sustenance. She frowns. She would hate to lose such a valuable item, but it might behoove them not to have to deal with guardians. She looks at Tabat, as if asking his thoughts on the matter.

Tabat looks to Iseret, catching the woman's gaze and slightly shakes his head. "We'll think about it," he says, "Until then, best of luck with your studies." He doesn't wait long for a response but signals the others to leave with him, so as no to further disturb the stranger.

Once away, he explains, "Perhaps her offer would have more appeal, if we had not obtained the writ we carry. I am hopeful it will allow us to bypass any of the guardians we come across safely, as we were advised it would. No sense on making a bargain for naught."