4. The First Expedition

Zach shudders at Thrudmarr's words. The last thing he wants is to lose even more of his precious remaining years.

You all join Jackie at the entrance to the supposedly "haunted" area, where the east-heading corridor opens into a chamber that’s so large that the light from Thrud’s lantern doesn’t reach the walls to the north and east. From what you can see, the room is richly painted, with a sky blue ceiling on which is depicted a constellation of gold stars.

A series of cherry-wood stalls line the walls; each stall is 5’ tall and 4’ wide, with a 3’-deep seat. The stalls are intricately carved with floral, geometric, and animal patterns.

The floor in the centre of the chamber contains an oval mosaic, some 15’ tall by 8’ wide. It depicts a scene that you quickly recognise as being the room with the large statue of Thoth at the bottom of the pyramid’s stairs.

Ella - what would you like Ovinius to do? He flatly refuses to head towards the area he claims to be haunted. He could wait (within reason) for you by the trapped door. Or he could return to his comrades in the barracks.

---
4:30 pm, Basilsday 2nd Lucreon (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 1: 9/9, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 4/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 1: 5/5, 60’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 1: 10/10, 60’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

"Of course, Ovin! It is understandable that you must return to your company. I would not be an impediment to the camaraderie and to your band’s cohesion. And if I can, I will not miss the opportunity to come by and chat again, if you can spare a few moments for an old friend. We will then talk again of that time, so many winters ago, where our most unlikely friendship began!" the elf exclaimed, patting her good friend on the back. "Are you always posted in that guardroom, or do you follow a rotation? I am afraid your friends might not enjoy me showing up when you are not around. Would you happen to have any passwords or hand gestures I might use to convince your Tagmata companions that I am not to be feared?"

Jacky scans the wide chamber, taking in the elaborate decoration. "Look at those seats. This might've been a throne room for the old Archonteans. There's so many, though..."

He glances upward at the starry ceiling. Does he recognize the constellation depicted? Either way, the halfling asks for some parchment (likely from Ella) to jot it down.

Zach plodded along morosely. A full day's adventure and all I have to show for it is ten years ripped out of my life.