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Awakening(Samara's return event thread) [closed]

Started by ValamLym, October 09, 2016, 10:54:58 AM

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ValamLym

OOC: We'll establish posting order as we go, for now first come first serve.))


A brown and well shaped man sat in front of a tent, his clothes covered by sand and dirt. He clearly had fallen asleep in the desert sands, rather then making it to his tent. He let out a sigh, standing upright. He curled his fingers upward, humming something in an incomprehensible dialect, a golden portal forming. ''Now we wait.'' he said softly to himself.

Jacob had spend most of his day spreading pamphlets and messages to random folks, recruiting. He didn't really know how many would answer, or if any would answer at all, but the promise of loot and valuables was always something that seemed flawless at attracting potential buyers. He had been wondering though, he didn't really know why he felt such a need to bring others into this, surely he could do it himself?

He figured it was a gut feeling and his instincts were rarely wrong. Still, it gnawed at him, made him feel like he was being watched constantly. He sighed, sitting down along the road that would lead them toward the sphinx, one could see it shimmering in the distance. He had not the slightest clue how they would enter it anyway, probably one of the reasons why he felt the need to recruit a few folks.

He hoped that someone intelligible about breaking into tombs would show. He eyed the portal he had created, if one were to rip the pamphlet, they'd be teleported here. He half expected people to start using it as a cheap way of travel but so far so good. Honestly, he had no idea where he had gained the ability to create portals, which just added to the uncomfortable feeling gnawing at the back of his head, it felt as if he was doing things he normally never would, but it was silly to think something odd was happening, he was probably just more skilled then he thought.

Another sigh, as he plucked a flask from his belt, taking a few sips from the water contained within.

Bunbun

"Interesting..."

Harvey muttered to himself as he examined the pamphlet he now held in his hand, recently discarded in the streets of Essyrn by a random passerby. He'd come to the desert city in search of new cases; the place did have a reputation for housing more than a few criminals, so he was bound to come across something eventually. Sure enough, he did find something, but it wasn't related to criminal activity- instead, it was some sort of call for assistance. An untouched tomb, filled with relics from a long lost civilization? That certainly seemed like something worth investigating.

"...I don't understand. What's that little note at the end supposed to mean?"

The dragon perched atop Harvey's shoulder piped up, prompting him to read over the postscript. 'You will not be escorted to a nearby city' was a peculiar choice of words. He spend a few seconds pondering what exactly they could mean before shaking his head and shrugging.

"Beats me. There's probably an explanation and more details inside. But anyways, how do you feel about this? Think it's worth checking out?"

Soma squinted at the note with a fair amount of suspicion before slowly nodding, giving his approval. Grinning, Harvey quickly broke the seal on the pamphlet... and immediately found himself in an entirely different location. He stood there, rather confused, taking in the new surroundings. There was a man sitting alone on a road, a golden portal (presumably how they'd gotten transported here) behind them, and sand... plenty of sand. Trying to get Harvey's attention, Soma started pointing to something in the distance.

"Uh, Harvey? I'm pretty sure this is the right place."

Following where the dragon's claw was pointing, Harvey's eyes came across the distant sphinx, indicating that the duo had arrived where the note had specified. A smile growing across his face, he walked over to where the other man was sitting and tried to initiate a conversation.

"You're the one who sent out those pamphlets, I suppose? That was certainly an... unexpected method of transportation."

Gawfy

Gawfy had been Wandering around Essyrn For Some time now. Sword Sharped and Armor polished after a Job he had just Done. When some man Ran up to him and handed him a pamphlet and A modest amount of gold and left.  This man knew how to pick them because Gawfy was really hurting for some cash. He Bought Some dried Meat and Grain, Also filled up Three Flasks of water and bought Two bottles of cheap Whiskey. He Also Purchased a cloak to put over his armor. After throwing on the cloak he Broke the seal and was soon Teleported to some where in the desert. He Saw the man who hired him From the beginning of the day and another man with a dragon on his shoulder. I guess we are waiting for some others? Gawfy said as he Took the Cork off of the Bottle and started Drinking Through the open mouth of his wolf Helmet.

Kill3rxcombo

After a long chain of pathetically easy missions, Adon is ecstatic to receive one that was something other than hunting down some measly creature. Wearing common attire and with no weapon in hand, he would have hardly expected someone to approach him with a task. Adon checked his leather rucksack for the essentials, a dozen flasks of water, preserved fruit and some "mystery meat" from the butcher that never goes bad even in the driest climates. He scanned the pamphlet over carefully to look for any fine print. He went on with no idea what getting 'not getting escorted to a nearby city' means, "What are they gonna do, teleport me?", but it doesn't concern him.

He stood up and tore open the seal and was instantly taken to the middle of the desert, gazing at a sphinx standing prominently in the distance. Adon feels a breeze behind him and turns around,"Oh, so I actually did get teleported" He spots three men, one who looks of Connlaothian descent conversing with a rather small dragon perched on his shoulder, a heavily armored tank of a man with a monstrous sword who looks vaguely familiar, and the gentleman that approached him with the pamphlet.

Adon strides up to meet his new comrades, looking quite unprepared without his battle attire, "Good day gentlemen!" He greets with arms wide open, "Who do I have the pleasure of working with today?"

Avarex

*click....click....click...*

The lone sounds of a wooden cane could be heard as it tapped onto the ground beneath the coated figure. "Even the birds stopped singing. A powerful force must be at work here. Or..." he gazed around himself - but the renewed eyes of Avarex only gazed upon piles of corpses, the scent of scorched flesh in the air. But there was something else that dragged the man through the streets of the destroyed village, as if he was guided by a higher power, he moved towards a small house at the end of the road he stood in. As he touched the door of the building, the door crumbled to ashes "Pyromancers. A lot of them. Gone mad, I assume.... Hm?" his eyes darted towards a remarkably well-preserved table. The young man stumbled towards the construct, while the clicking of the wooden cane was the only thing besides his own steps that was heard. On the table, Avarex found a pamphlet. He analyzed it rather quickly, nodding slowly. "Interesting.." he muttered once more, before his body was falling into black sand grains, darting off into the direction of the meeting point.

Moments later, his shape reformed near the men that already had gathered, the scent of the destroyed village still present around him. He bows slightly, while relying on his cane to carry him "Greetings, my fellow travellers. I assume you have seen the same pamphlet as I have. I am Avarex, archeologist. I would like to join you on your risky endeavor."

ValamLym

(sorry for the delay, bit busy lately.)

Jacob quietly observed as the people that answered his summons were arriving. He snickered at harvy's comment, rising to his feet to properly great him. ''My name is Jacob and yes, I can't say that I remember how I got them... but they work.'' he shrugged ''There's plenty of more interesting mysteries awaiting us.'' he nodded at Harvy, before turning to the next arrival. Giving him a quick nod and an introduction as well ''Pleasure to meet you, I am Jacob.''

He continued his retinue of meet and great until the older man arrived. His eery loom of undeath sending shivers down his spine. He had extreme doubts about this man being an archaeologist, but he seemed powerful and thus useful. When he recovered from his surprise he quickly stepped up in front of the gathered group.

''Thank you all for coming, just in case you've forgotten my name is Jacob.. I will keep it simple.. he paused, collecting himself for a moment ''Behind me is a mysterious sphinx of some sorts, people say it just appeared through a portal someday and nobody has been able to open it, I hope that you all will help me change that.'' he smiled, before pointing toward several horses. ''They will take us there.'' without spending much time preparing himself Jacob mounted his horse, taking a moment to wait for his companions and then ride out.

The journey would be fairly uneventful, nothing really bothered to attack them and the closer they got to the sphinx the more the stench of death would become apparent, once they arrived, the group would run into a band of raiders. None of them armed, in fact, none of them seemed quite ''there'' as they were mindlessly bashing against the runed door of the sphinx, barely even acknowledging the existence of the newly arrived group of people. ''Here we are.. don't mind them, they've been here since I left.. they don't seem... sane.''

The sphinx was literally surrounded by statues, statues that seemed extremely un-natural, as if they could get up and walk away at any moment and perhaps even more disturbing, blood dripped from their blades and corpses littered the ground, some new, some old. ''As for the statues, they... seem harmless. I mean I've never seen them move so I think the corpses might be rival raiders or something.''



Upon closer inspection, one might note the raider's were beating themselves against the doors until they bled, broken noses and arms not uncommon either.

If one were to inspect the door, they would find several writings, mostly in an incomprehensible language only the very best could decipher. Jacob turned to Avarex ''Old man, think you could have a go?'' he inquired, hoping that it perhaps would give them access to the interior of the sphinx.

Everyone but Avarex heard a voice in their head;

''All your goals seem so clear, yet one man remains to be feared.''

and Avarex alone would hear the other words;

''The runes that you seek... the guardians of her majesty may yet keep.''

As soon as the voice finished, everyone could feel an odd sense of being watched as well as the feint sound of white noise.

Avarex

Avarex did stare down at the abscent raiders, smirking for a moment. He had seen this before, but not to this extend. He shook his head as he was adressed by Jacob. Fairly difficult to get in there. But let me see what we go-..." The man's voice fell quiet as the thundering voice echoed through his skull. It was none of the usual voices that resided within his mind, but the shock remained controllable. He quirked an eyebrow as his pupils wandered over to some of the nearby statues. Moments passed in silence as the man with his cane eyed the statues critically, his left hand rubbing over his chin as all that was heard from him was an occasional "Hm!"

The eye-movement of Avarex was beyond normal, they darted knowingly over the statues, one may think it came from his archeologistic experiences, others may dare to say that Avarex was someone with deeper knowledge of magic. After a while he pointed at the weapons the statues held. "In some cultures, they built statues as resemblance of guardians of the afterlife. A silly thought when you come think of it. But if I am not mistaken we should pay closer attention to them." Avarex held out his hand to touch the blood-overflown body of the statue, his hand did not reach for something specific, yet it seemed to be somewhat guided, as if Avarex could feel something.

Bunbun

Harvey maintained his cheery attitude as everyone made their introductions, greeting each new arrival with a smile. Soma, on the other end, seemed rather on edge, carefully eyeing the strangers and focusing on every detail he could notice. He wasn't quite sure what, but he could sense that something was up, and he couldn't afford to let his guard down until he'd discovered what it was. Noticing that his partner was already hard at work, Harvey decided to be silent for the duration of the trip so that Soma would be able to focus easier.

When they eventually reached the sphinx, it was immediately obvious that this wasn't going to be any ordinary investigation. There were a few people relentlessly attacking the door of the tomb with nothing but their own brute strength, an army of lifelike statues soaked in blood, and corpses everywhere. Immediately, Harvey was drawn to the raiders who were still alive- perhaps they knew something about what happened to all the others. However, they seemed to ignore him as he approached, apparently devoted to breaking down the door at all costs. Intrigued, Soma hopped off of Harvey's shoulder and flew in front of one of the raiders, hovering there for a few seconds before giving up and returning to his perch.

"It's no use, Harvey. These guys are way beyond reasoning at this point. There's nothing we can learn from them."

Despite Soma's warning, Harvey spent a little while watching the raiders senselessly bash the wall before giving up and looking for something else to inspect. The writing on the wall was out of the question, so that left the corpses and the statues. He knelt down to observe some of the newer corpses, making a few mental notes on their fatal wounds. They didn't look like any kind of wound he'd seen before, being too varied to have been made by conventional weapons. Combined with the fresh blood adorning the weapons of the statues, there was an undeniable connection between the two. It seemed improbable, but it also seemed like the only possibility...

Suddenly, Harvey's thoughts were interrupted by a voice running through his head. The voice seemed to be sending a warning, but it wasn't exactly clear what the warning was about. Harvey turned to Soma, who stared back at him with a similar look- one of confusion, and slight concern. A strange feeling started to wash over both of them, but it wasn't enough to make them want to quit. The white noise, however, was more of a problem; Harvey could ignore it pretty easily, but Soma's enhanced senses made it more noticeable... and more disturbing. Shivering a little, the small dragon spoke once more.

"...Yeah, something's definitely wrong here. We should be more careful."

Simply nodding in compliance, Harvey stood back up and once again started surveying the area. Maybe there was something else to find, something that would make this whole situation make more sense.

Gawfy

Gawfy Stood around drinking until Adon arrived. He probably did not recognize Gawfy because of the Helm. After Adon Arrived One more man did after him. Old Looking fellow who said he Was an archaeologist but carried No tools. Gawfy eyed Him through his helm and Took note. After doing so they Hopped on their horses and left. He Watched as the Man with the dragon rode in front of him. He Was not dressed to fight and Did not bring any tools. Maybe he was here just to take in the sights? And the dragon Looked like it possessed rudimentary Knowledge as it Cautiously watched the party the whole ride. As they arrived There where some men Banging their heads against the walls of the sphinx. ''As for the statues, they... seem harmless. I mean I've never seen them move so I think the corpses might be rival raiders or something.'' Jacob said as Gawfy looked over. but somthing did not make sense to him. If he where a raider why Kill Other people outside the Door? It would make more sense to Let them enter set off all of the traps then kill the remaining people and Take whatever Loot there was.  But here they where, dead outside.
Gawfy walked over to the bodies. Some of these men where armored. when Gawfy grabbed their Dead limbs their bones where broken. He stood up and looked at the weapons they dropped.
Bow. Bow. Sword. Axe. Sword. Sword. Not a single hammer present.  Gawfy then let go of the dead man as he head a voice pang inside his head. Gawfy closed his eyes and listened to the words and the white noise that followed then shook it off. There was only one other Time He had this happen to him. Gawfy walked back to the others unnerved.

Kill3rxcombo

 Adon was in no mood to start cracking jokes. If things were not strange enough with the bodies and relentless head bashing, it gets even worse when he hears a voice in his head. ''All your goals seem so clear, yet one man remains to be feared.''Adon thought that he had seen it all in his two decade long career as a mercenary but the voice genuinely rattled him. He adamantly ignores the white noise that follows suit and turned immediately to eye the decrepit figure of Avarex, inspecting the door to the sphinx with fleeting eyes.  Adon despises making assumptions. The voice could mean anyone. We've barely started, keep it together. He ponders whether he should don his armor just in case something were to pop up unexpectedly. Adon looks back at the raiders, there may be a direct correlation with the voice he had heard earlier and the men throwing themselves at the door. Adon reaches inside his bag for a flask when he sees Harvey heading off with the dragon, never seeming to remember it's name. The dragon turns it head as Adon runs towards the pair ''Harvey, would you mind me tagging along with your investigation? All I am good for is combat and it seems there is currently no action.''

ValamLym

Jacob seemed largely oblivious to the voice. Simply continueing his inspection of the door. His attention eventually shifted toward Avarex, whom had been observing a statue close to their proximity. He wondered what it thought that he had found and walked over. Eyes fixated on the man. He didn't trust him and yet something within himself ordered him to, as if he wasn't quite himself.

He quickly shook that notion off as nonsense, the work was probably just getting to him. ''Found anything useful?'' he inquired, trying to see what the man had been looking at. Despite the response he would eventually turn around, addressing the people in the area. ''Lets all look for potential clues as to how to get inside and perhaps even to how this got here.''

It seemed his words carried some kind of response, as the sphinx suddenly shook, layers of sand falling off of it and into the wind, creating a small sand made fog around the structure. There was something magical to it though, the sand just kept picking up, creating an almost sandstorm level of thickness surrounding them, clouding the area entirely, people only being visible up close.

''Everybody okay!?'' Jacob exclaimed.

Although the sandstorm seemed relatively harmless. One might note that all the statues beside the one Avarex had inspected where gone and one might even spot shadows moving around in the storm, statues standing at odd places. Where they alive? or where they part of a puzzle?

''The self proclaimed lord of undeath will open the way.''

the voice would once again thunder in everyone's heads, everyone receiving the same message this time.

Bunbun

Noticing that Adon had approached and requested to join him, Harvey momentarily brought his investigation to a halt and turned to face him. His expression went blank, and he seemed completely unresponsive as if he was turning into a statue itself. Meanwhile, Soma stared intently at Adon, his piercing gaze scanning for even the tiniest detail that could allow him to learn more about the stranger. This went on for a little while until Harvey finally cracked a smile, talking quickly and excitedly.

"...Alright, here's the deal. The way I see it, there's no possible way that these raiders could have killed each other. Their wounds don't match up with the weapons they're using, not to mention the ones that are still alive are completely unarmed. There has to be something else around here that could have killed them, something like..."

Harvey's voice started to drift off as he became aware of the sand starting to rise from the ground and swirl around the area, creating something resembling a sandstorm. He quickly covered his eyes with his arm to shield them from the sand, only lowering it when it became apparent that the storm wasn't actually doing any damage. The storm obscured most of the surroundings from vision, Adon being the only person he could see due to being in close proximity. Using his powerful eyesight, Soma caught a glimpse of a shadow moving through the storm. The small dragon nudged Harvey and pointed towards the shadow, causing the man to nod and call to Adon.

"Be on your guard. If I'm right about this, then these 'statues' are more than capable of combat. I don't want any more bodies to start piling up."

With that, Harvey started walking towards the shadow, his hand resting on the handle of his blade in case something unexpected happened. The voice started to rattle through his head once more, being just as cryptic as it was before. He wasn't quite sure why, but the voice only further motivated him to get to the bottom of whatever was going on here.

Gawfy

Just as Gawfy Was about to join the Others Sand started to kick in the air with violent whips. Gawfy heard the Horses going ballistic so he made haste to The Horses. most of them where making noise and Bucking like crazy. except one who seemed a little weighed down. Gawfy took a look at The Horses Saddlebags and behold, gold armor and longsword and Spear. As soon as gawfy took the bags off the horse went ballistic. He then unsheathed his sword and started waving it around hoping to Feel for the Sphinx. After some steps his blade did meet a Slightly older man who was way too friendly.  Adon you are lucky your equipment is heavy or your horse would have ran off with it.
Gawfy said as he approached Adon and the dragon man. He then dropped the Bag. The voice Boomed in his head once again. Gawfy clutched his head preparing for a massive headache but it never came.  He then Pulled out his bottle and Held up his hand to shield the amber liquid from the sand as he took a drink.

Avarex

"It appears that we have triggered a trap. If I am correct our chances of survival out here lay bellow twenty-five per cent. I will attempt to find a way to open the chamber. Hold anything that may seem hostile off of my back." Avarex declared as he searched the statue in front of him. His hands followed the extremely detailed construct of him, despite the blood that seemed to spill the right sleeve of his jacket as the fingertips ran over the chest. It was obvious that he was looking for a button, a trigger for a mechanism. It was not the first tomb he was making his way into.

His hand followed the carved muscles of the statue, down it's arm which held a weapon. Avarex' eyes couldn't come around a certain detail. A single object, that didn't seem to fully fit into the making of the rest of the statue. At the top of the hilt, a small round object stood out a little. "A rune?" he muttered. Slowly he attempts to push in the rune-plate, but soon noted that it wouldn't work this way "Hm. Smart. A rune lock, I assume." he looked at the distracted group as the sand kicked up, he smirked, knowing that nobody would have a closer look at his fingertips now. The change of his hand was barely notable under the soaking lifefluid exceeding the terrifying statue. His right hand formed into a shadow-soaked claw, granting him additional strength. Avarex leaned onto his cane, pulling the rune out of the hilt. He awaited the opening door, should he already have the solution? Or was there something else he had to do to trigger the mechanism? Blood dripped down his arm, swiftly forming back into flesh and bone.

Kill3rxcombo

The details of Harvey's investigation were intriguing, quite a meticulous fellow. Harvey stopped his sentence short when the sand starts picking up. Sandstorms were to be expected in this desert but this one gave Adon a sense of paranoia similar to how he felt when the voice spoke eerily in his mind.

The storm picks up, what were small gusts of sand escalates into a full blown storm, Adon can barely see Harvey and the dragon, who were right next to him, everything else was encased in a thick screen of sand. Adon could barely hear Harvey's warning, but he got the message, stay on guard. Adon grasps for the weapon on the back, his face pales as he comes to the realization that his equipment was left behind with the horses.Don't worry, if I can survive for just a little while, I can materialize the equipment here. A tall shadow approached waving a massive weapon, lightning surges on Adon's fingertips, must be one of those 'statues'. His rock hard expression quickly lightens up as Gawfy came into view in front of him. Skipping the formalities, he thanks Gawfy and dons his armor. Spear out and ready to skewer anything that attacks.

Harvey wanders off towards a shadow in the distance, "Stay safe comrade", he calls out to Harvey. Once again, the voice echoes in his head. The voice elicits rage that Adon has never felt before,The voice... it's mocking us, giving us cryptic messages to scare us. A lightning bolt materializes in Adon's hand with a loud crackle. "ENOUGH OF THIS MOCKERY" he hurls the bolt down at the ground in front of him, sand dispersed in a large radius around him and Gawfy.

The storm continues raging, but Adon's vision was no longer obscured in the blast radius. Statues are seen walking stiffly towards the pair, faces expressionless but approaching with murderous intent. Off in the distance other statues are seen impaling the brain dead raiders, blood gushing from their wounds like miniature waterfalls. The sand slowly accumulates in the air, vision no longer clear. Adon drops his spear and forms many more lightning bolts in both of his hands this time, each coursing with power enough to down multiple ogres. He let fly all of the bolts to each of the advancing statues, confident that he can disintegrate them all.

The sandstorm picks right back up where it left and proceeds to enshroud Gawfy and Adon in sand. All they could see were disfigured shadows slowly rebuilding themselves. The statues march on; this time with a vengeance. Adon picks up his weapon and stands resolute with Gawfy, a feeling of deja vu washes over him as he says to Gawfy, "I hope you are ready, friend."

(OOC) BTW Gawfy, Adon has only one weapon, called a swordspear, inspired from The Nameless King character from Dark Souls III.

ValamLym

The statues seemed rather unphased by most attacks send their way, the very storm that surrounded them rebuilding them from scratch if it had to. Massive blades were drawn as the hostilities started, the raiders killed and disposed of swiftly. Soon after they began marching toward the group, the bolts hit the statues, destroying them utterly. However, these weren't mortal works and they were soon simply recreated, only more annoyed with the intruders.

However, as quickly as their advance had began, it ceased, when Avarex pressed the button, they turned and marched toward the door, each of them kneeling down beside it creating a hallway of sorts. Finally, the door slit open, sending ancient air into open sky. The statue in front of Avarex knelt down, its rocky and low voice echoing through the sky ''You know not what you do.. She must remain.'' although initially its language would be unrecognizable, magic would soon translate it for the ones that could hear it speak.

Jacob was quick to jump to the chase, peeking into the open archway. Inside, he found that the Sphinx was much larger on the inside then out, a massive hallway with a ceiling so far up that it could barely be seen. Within, they'd find everything laced with gold. It was beautiful, until one continued, thousands upon thousands of un-dead stood there, motionless, their forms inhuman. Instead of having humanoid heads, they had the heads of birds, crocodiles and jackals. They all held massive glaive blades.

Spoiler
[close]

''This is unbelievable.. I can practically feel the necrotic energies inside here.'' and he wasn't lying. Surely the other's would feel it too, that cold sense of dread that only the most forbidden of arts could summon within one. Regardless, they didn't seem in immediate danger. Left and right, the massive hallway continued on, holding many more of those undead. Observant eyes may even notice how new ones were continuously created from what seemed to be sand, slowly forming into a skeletal being. ''This might be a royal tomb of sorts.'' Jacob continued, staring around in awe.

His eyes were quickly drawn to the massive doorway further ahead. Beside it, two massive stone looking contraptions that looked like smaller sphinxes, they too seemed eerily alive. And soon, they proved to be just that as they awoke, red glowing eyes fixating on the group but not moving ''Trespassers, fools, heretics!'' one exclaimed while the other seemed more calm in its demeanor ''You should not be here, turn back.'' for whatever they were, it seemed they couldn't actually move their bodies and could merely observe and comment. ''The tomb Queen must not be awoken from her eternal slumber.''

Jacob seemed annoyed, almost angry. ''Don't listen to them! This is the find of the century!'' he looked back to the group, beckoning them over, finding renewed vigor to figure out what was actually going on within this place.

''The long circle is nearly complete.''

Bunbun

As Harvey continued to wander further towards the shadow, he picked up on a few noises- the sickening sound of blades slicing into flesh, and the sudden destruction and crumbling of statues. A few of the blurred shadows seemed to vanish for a moment, only to rise from the ground and continue to move a few moments later. The one that Harvey had approached finally started to take on a more distinguishable shape, one of an approaching statue, brandishing its weapon in a menacing fashion. Harvey drew his own blade in response, clearly not in any mood to back down from a confrontation.

As per the usual strategy, Soma leapt off Harvey's shoulder and flew up to the living statue, darting around at high speeds. He put all of his efforts towards drawing its attention away from Harvey, trying to create an opening for an attack. As soon as the opportunity presented itself, the man leapt forward and slashed upwards at the statue's body, relying on his speed advantage in order to get his strike to connect. However, his blade seemed to bounce harmlessly off his opponent's body, causing him to recoil and stumble backwards a few steps. Quickly working to regain his balance, he held his sword close in case he had to parry an attack. Instead, though, the statue abruptly turned away and started marching off into the distance. Intrigued, Harvey motioned to Soma to return to his perch and started following the statue into the storm.

When the statue stopped walking, Harvey found himself back at the entrance to the tomb, which had been opened since he had last checked. The tomb had a unique quality to it, one that both drew him towards it and warned him to stay away. There was a certain feeling of dread in the air, and the various creatures that inhabited the tomb issued several warnings to the group. For whatever reason, though, he felt more compelled than ever to uncover the mysteries of the tomb.

Gawfy

Gawfy Chuckled As he took his Sword in both hands. Always am, and always will be, He walked Towards One of the Statues as it raised its blade, He Took a stance and hefted His sword back. As the statue Brought its sword down Gawfy Smashed it with a Sideswipe. Gawfy then brought his sword overhead and Chopped at its Legs. It then fell and Gawfy jumped on top of its Chest and Smashed its Head. After jumping off he turned back and saw the Sand from the storm mending the stone. He cursed and called to Adon for a retreat. He Saw the others Enter the now open door and Hurried in.

Catching up he did not pay any mind to the undead. Gawfy overheard What the statue said, He tapped Harvey on the Shoulder as the dragon watched him.What do you suppose is in this place anyway? Gawfy asked as he put his sword back on his back.

Avarex

*click click click* the sound of Avarex' cane hitting the cold stone of the tomb. He took a deep breath in, too familiar with the scent of undeath. "Make no mistake now. We must pursue our goal. It is our duty to reveal the past of this place, no matter what obstacle we have to overcome." he proceeded to gaze around the hallway they stood within. Avarex contemplated quietly what the voice told him, his hand runs around his chin, while he walked deeper into the tomb. He wondered wether the undead here were wardens, or a relique of a battle long lost. This was their task to discover - and maybe, only maybe, he could get an advantage out of it.

The voice that echoed in his head comforted him, he was not afraid, but allured. "Almost like my mistress, back in the days" he thought to himself. *Click!* he brought down his cane, unnotably, black sand emerged from the spot he just tapped. He fell onto his rear, acting, as if he was surprised as the released sand shot towards the door, forcing it shut. "O-Oh my! I must have triggered a trap! I... I am so sorry! I didn't know.... mercenaries, there is no other way than forward for us now!

ValamLym

When the necromancer forced the door shut Jacob seemed almost relieved, his eyes quickly darting away from his companions so that they could not see his joy. Why was this making him joyous anyway? he was trapped here! Shaking off that thought, he marched past the sphinxes, whom had now shut up as the trigger mechanism was within the door.

He carefully stepped through the hallways, worried about traps. None would come, it seemed that whomever build this place didn't plan on people actually ever entering it, or it was meant to keep things in rather then out. That just made for a more interesting discovery. As he moved deeper and deeper into the catacombs then stench of undeath became much more intense. Several more of the massive halls like the one they had initially entered through existed and they all housed thousands of those undead. Whatever magic was at work here, it was clear that the Sphinx was working tirelessly to set up an army.

''But who commands it...'' he inquired, dreams of power and prosperity darting through his mind. ''Perhaps there's a scepter or something, that lets one command these undead.''it seemed almost too good to be true, an army just lying around in the desert!

The noises in the groups head would only grow more intense as they got deeper into the structure, no doubt advancing closer to the source of it all. Whether the group followed or not seemed to matter little to jacob as he advanced on and on for what seemed like hours.

Eventually, he came up on a large with gold adorned room, it was massive and beautiful. Within, a large sarcophagus stood another just below it. He walked up the stairs and inspected the highest sarcophagus first, as it being above the other clearly meant it was a more important individual. He caressed it with his hand and was subsequently launched down the stairs, hitting the ground with a thud and painful cough. ''What the hell!?'' he exlaimed.

'"YOU BEAR HER MARK!'' a voice thundered through the hallway ''THE SLEEPER MOST NOT BE AWOKEN!''

Jacob slowly crept up, standing on his feet once more before looking around himself, trying to determine the source of the voice. He soon found it, a big, stone head attached to the sealing that seemed capable of expressions as if it was made of flesh and blood ''Who's mark?'' he inquired, confused by the heads remark.

''THE MARK OF THE TOMB QUEEN.'' the head seemed unable to lower its volume and shouted whatever it said, looking down at the group ''LEAVE NOW!''


''Do not leave, we share a master!'' the voice would return to the group, almost as if responding to the statues remark. The door would promptly fall shut as the last member of the group entered.






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