Age of Heroes II: Gods and Monsters (IC)

[roguescribner]

Age of Heroes

Chapter I: Fire in the Sky
Issue 1
Issue 2
Issue 3
Issue 4
Issue 5

Chapter 2: Gods and Monsters
Issue 1


Prologue

In the mid 21st century...

A rumble shook the building. Bits of plaster and dust fell from the ceiling onto the table. Dr. Hector Morales, a middle-aged haggard looking man, leaned over the shoulders of a young woman sitting in front of him. "You okay, Aubrey?" The young woman, still in her teens, gave a tepid nod. "Good, good," Dr. Morales said, placing a reassuring hand on Aubrey's shoulder. "They'll keep 'em busy. We just need to work as quickly as possible."

"It's never quick," Aubrey sighed. "You know that. I can't work under pressure."

"Just do your best," the older man smiled.

"So what am I looking for?" the young woman asked, ready to complete the task sooner rather than later.

"Well, what do you see?" Dr. Morales asked, peering over her shoulder. Aubrey Brinkman pursed her lips as she examined the object on the table. "A crystal shard."

Dr. Morales grunted. "Dear, you're looking with the wrong set of eyes. We haven't much time. What do you see?"

Aubrey frowned in defeat. She wiggled her thin fingers over the crystal shard and then placed both hands upon it. Her eyes shut, the pupils darting to and fro underneath her eyelids. After a few seconds she let go of the crystal. "There's too much. I'll never be able to sort through it all."

"You don't have to, Aubrey. No. Just go back to the beginning. What I need to know is at the beginning." Morales rubbed an encouraging hand on the teen's back.

A siren blared in the distance. The building shook from the impact of... something... somewhere... Dr. Morales and Aubrey pretended not to notice.

"The beginning. Right." Aubrey took a deep breath and placed her hands on the crystal shard once more. "Here goes nothing."


Chapter 1: Fire in the Sky

Mid-27th Century BC

It was a period of unrest.

Pharaoh Djoser has been sending military units to the Sinai Peninsula to quell the civilian population in order to mine for valuable minerals. He also wished to secure the region as a buffer from incursions from Asia. There were divided loyalties in the homeland, as many people did not agree the union of Upper and Lower Egypt (or more to the point: the union of followers of Horus and Set). His reign was tenuous, but Pharaoh ruled with a tight grip.

Djoser wished to cement his status as the embodiment of the gods, but he was dealt a terrible blow recently. His only son, Nassor--barely a man--gasped his last breath just yesterday. Djoser let it be known publicly that his son was sent to be with the gods according to divine plan, but those in the royal court knew his heart lie in anguish. Rumors spread around the royal court of possible foul play and that Pharaoh would unleash his wrath upon the culprits, but no one seemed to know for sure.

For now, Djoser must lay his only son to rest. A caravan departed Memphis for Saqqara when the sun reached its highest point in the azure sky. At the center of it was Djoser and his family: queen Hetephernebti, eldest daughter Inetkawes (come of age), and youngest daughter Kepi (nearly come of age). A royal protector was assigned to each of the daughters: Husani and Zuberi. The children had grown together and Pharaoh knew the young men would lay their lives down for his lineage. Djoser also had by him two of his most trusted advisers: Tsekani, a hardened man with a wandering eye, and Imhotep, Djoser's chief architect and healer.

Also within the caravan were various soldiers, nobles, servants, and tradesman to ensure a smooth and safe journey. Kepi kept her handmaiden Ahti nearby as always.

As the procession neared Saqqara, the newly completed pyramid appeared on the horizon. Djoser had hoped to be the first interred in the monument to the gods, but his son would have that honor now. Preparations were still to be made for the ceremony at dusk. As the fire in the sky lowers and casts a long shadow over all of Egypt, so too would an eternal shadow be cast over Nassor's spirit.

Everyone should have received a PM regarding what your character is doing. Once everyone is introduced, I'll post a response and move the game forward.

[Gazman]

Jabari

Ho! I have spotted the pyramid, Pharaoh! One of the chariot officers riding at the fore of the column called back. The young man turned in his vehicle to bow low before his king, driving his horses blindly. The soldier wore leather armor nearly the color of his sun-tanned skin and its polish gleamed in the setting sun.

He rose and turned to face his fellow charioteer, I tell you, Adofo. It was poison. All the ladies of the court tell me this so. Do you doubt so many fine daughters of Egypt? Without waiting for an answer, the warrior continued arguing his case. And you must ask yourself, who benefits from the death of Pharaoh's son? It is those milk-drinker bodyguards! They get close to Pharaoh's beautiful daughters by spending their days in the palace. They wallow in it like my father or one of his friends. They do not do a man's work of fighting for our lands and true glory.

Finished with his little speech, the young man settled down to watch the approaching mausoleum rise out of the desert.

[Coyotzin]

Kifi
HP: 1 Cond: In service

Kifi walked alongside the palanquin transporting her lord and master, Imhotep. This time she was wearing the simple white linen robes as worn by other priests and physicians rather than some of her more revealing attires, but even then the contours of her body could be discerned by her movement alone. Much was whispered in the palace about Imhotep and his beautiful apprentice, but none that would risk the Pharaoh's wrath by reaching his ears, especially not in a day like this.

Despite the soft grace by which she walked, she was hardy and had endured the long walk without complaint or signs of fatigue. Part of her duties during this caravan included tending to the porters and servants who were also traveling by foot, and she was a welcome sight not only due to her stunning appearance, which most believed wasted as Imhotep's apothecary, but also due to the talent that put her in that position in the first place. She tended boils and blisters, sunburns and fatigue, making sure that the funerary caravan was not sullied or interrupted by any undue affliction among the entourage. And she always had a kind word for all her patients.

To the core of the caravan, the royal personages, she only attended in the company of Imhotep himself, and she always kept her head low as she assisted him. Imhotep insisted in her company, and thus she was privy to the words of the rulers, witness to the dignified grief of the Pharaoh, and compatriot to the knowledge behind the tragedy that brought them to the pyramid.

She was not comfortable being party to these secrets, but she obeyed Imhotep in all things, and she would not disgrace him by balking at the tasks he set for her in front of the royal family.

[Hound]

Hound


It had been mid day when the procession set out, and the sun had been unforgiving. As befitting his lowly status, Hound walked while the nobles road. It didn't bother him much, he had spent the majority of his life walking, the soles of his feet were as tough as the leather armour he wore. Only once or twice has he the great honour to ride a horse.

However of recent, Hound had been bestowed a different honour. He had been purchased by the youngest daughter of the Pharaoh, Kepi. The excuse she gave was she wanted a dog, and a dog was how she treated him.

"Dog, water." Kepi barked. She was riding in a her own private litter, it was large, carried by 12 slaves, with a large canopy to protect the young girl from the sun.

Hound raised up the princess' personal water skin, she took it with out a word of thanks and took a long drink, allowing the water to drip down her chin. When she was done, she tossed the empty skin at Hound. He caught the skin and hurried off to the water wagon to refill the skin.

The truth of the matter was Kepi had bough Hound for something other than just being a personal servant. Her Father had forbade her from going on Royal Hunting parties, and learning archery. He had made it clear her duties were to learn to be a proper lady, and marry a man of his choosing.

Kepi however objected fiercely, she wanted to learn to hunt like a man. So in secret, she had commanded Hound to teach her archery. Hound was left with two choices, execution for disobeying the princess, or teach Kepi and hope he could keep it secret so he could keep his head.

With the water skin full, Hound returned to Kepi's litter, "Where have you been, Dog?" She growled as he returned.

"My apologies, Princess." He swiftly responded, eyes focused on the ground.

"We are arriving soon, Dog, have my slippers ready, and make the rest of the preperations." She commanded before closing the canopy curtain.

"Yes Princess." Hound replied once more, while rolling his eyes.

[Nineofspades]

Panya
HP 1

I walk, smoothly and silently, water jug clasped close to my breast as I move to each of the guards in turn, bringing them refreshment against the mid day sun. Not Panya, not today. No, it would be unseenly for a concubine to take part in this somber affair. No, today I am Aki, A servant girl of no real interest to any, merely doing as told. Ill noticed by those in attendance. I do not share the Grace of Pharaohs personal transport, and I am glad for that.

Though I bare no responsibility for it, and indeed, my duty extends only to the Pharaoh himself, I feel a great shame for the death of his son. The anguish he feels, the rage and sorrow and endless despair, each of it is another arrow into my chest. If my duty is to guard The Pharaoh against all which could harm him, does that not include harm to his spirit? I have failed him, and for that, I doubt I could even meet his gaze.

In my thoughts, I run through the night of the assassination again. And Make no doubt, it was indeed a deliberate act. Patu and Masol, the food tasters, appeared unharmed. Basto the chef was the first questioned, and to all efforts brought against him, he seemed innocent. He's still been sent to the dungeons, just in case. None of the guards had seen anything. Whatever had been done, was done well. I only count myself lucky that Djoser himself emerged safe from what transpired.

I shake off my thoughts. There will be a time for them, and a time to strike out against those who had done this. I will hunt them down, and bring them, broken and bleeding, before Pharaoh, that they may see the wrath of a father who's lost his heir. But not today. Today, I keep my eyes and ears sharp to the four corners of the world around me. Until this is settled, I must remain on my highest alert.

Disguise Check (1d20+12=27)

Disguise check to appear as a nondescript slave girl, supplying water to Pharaohs guards.

Perception Check (1d20+12=18)

Perception check to keep an eye out for danger

[Lord Fell]

Ahti

It had been a very trying time for the young Handmaiden of Kepi, youngest of the Pharaoh's daughters. Since the death of Nassor, there was much tension in the royal household. Kepi was not the most even tempered of mistresses even before The Pharaoh's son had set sail on the Barge of Anubis. Since Nassor's passing, she had been vicious. Ahti whimpered at the memory of being commanded to count a basket full of Scarabs. The continued crawling of the beetles made it an impossible task, not that Ahti's command of numeracy would have permitted her to count even a handful of objects. She was beaten with a slipper for her failure. Had she returned a number, correct or not, she likely would have still been beaten for forbidden knowledge of numbers.

Despite her dread that the Pharina would turn her attention to her Handmaiden, Ahti kept close to the Second Daughter's palanquin regardless. Straying from the Princess' sphere of influence surely meant another awkward conversation with Tsekani, adviser to the Pharaoh. Tsekani wanted things from the young handmaiden; things she wasn't entirely ready to process. She didn't understand half of the suggestions he made to her, but she knew her parents would be disappointed if she were to do the likely unwholesome things Tsekani wanted her to indulge in. Ahti reflected that her lot in life would be less complicated had she been sold to a Plantation.

"We are arriving soon, Dog, have my slippers ready, and make the rest of the preperations." She commanded before closing the canopy curtain.

With a flinch, Ahti's mind returned to the present. She rather liked the new boy, for his stoic acceptance of the Pharina's continuous abuse, and also because that abuse was now shared. Misery loves company, after all. However, care of the Pharina's person and things was her duty. She made a frantic gesture to Hound, before running off to find the wagons in which the Royal Daughter's wardrobes were kept. Please don't let Tsekani find me alone!

[Hound]

Hound watched Ahti run off to one of to the wagons carrying the princess' wardrobe. She was an interesting girl, though naive to say the least. Hound knew his position, he did as he was told, but he knew in his heart he was a hunter, a tracker, an explorer. He knew one day when he was strong enough he would leave servitude and see the world. However Ahti seemed like the type who lived her life in constant fear, fear of the princess, and fear of lecherous men. She was beautiful after all.

Still he hardly knew who the girl was, which you might think odd considering the time spent together. You see, for a male to be allowed near the princess, at least one of her hand maidens must always be present. If not, Hound would soon be missing two very important objects between his legs. Yet despite the fact she was present during the Archery lessons, and sworn to secrecy, and they had almost constant close proximity, (with the exception of the princess dressing and sleeping) they had only two or three chances to really speak to each other.

So far the only their conversations were mostly limited to "The Princes needs..."

After all in the presence of a princess, one remains silent unless addressed. Needless chatter is an excellent way to lose a tongue. She is pretty, too bad I am going to have to live like a eunuch while serving the princess... Hound's eyes left Ahti and he began preparations for their arrival at the tomb.

[roguescribner]

Kifi

After a young officer announces nearing the pyramid, Imhotep speaks. His eyes never leave the step pyramid, but you know when he is addressing you. "I have made many preparations for Nassor, but some still remain. You will assist me after the people break for the holy pyramid of Djoser, King of All Kings, Body of the Gods. You will not be permitted inside the sacred chamber, however. That I cannot do for you."

Within minutes the caravan broke apart as Imhotep predicted. The royal family and their entourage moved towards a hill within view of the front of the pyramid. A makeshift camp was assembled by servants and tradesmen, to give them privacy. You could see the remainder of the people line up at the entrance to the pyramid, waiting for their Prince to arrive.

"Follow them," Imhotep gestured to a group of priestesses. "They will guide you. I must prepare the chamber."

An old priestess takes your hand and whispers, "The family will pray for Nassor for but a moment and then we will complete our arrangements. Wait here."

The old priestess then follows the bearers as they carry Nassor inside the main tent.

Hound

As the caravan breaks, you escort Princess Kepi to the temporary encampment as her brother's body undergoes final preparations. You catch a brief glimpse of the shrouded body as it disappears into a white tent. "You would think my brother would have the decency to die on a cooler day, don't you agree, dog?" Kepi asked, without dignifying you with a look. "Perhaps the gods are angry at his passing. Perhaps Egypt will soon feel their wrath."

The Princess then glances at you with a blank face. "But maybe you're here to protect me. Does my dog have any bite?" Before you can answer, she breaks into a cackle and is immediately joined by her personal guard, Zuberi. The young man takes Kepi's hand as she exits the palanquin and leads her to the tent where the family is gathering.


Panya

Pharaoh stood stone-faced as various personal servants and tradesmen quickly erected a makeshift camp so that Nassor's body could receive final preparations from Imhotep's priestesses. You see Imhotep give instructions to his underlings before making haste towards the pyramid without escort.

The royal tent is raised and Pharaoh Djoser and his family follow the wrapped body of young Nassor inside. The bearers of the Prince exit the tent moments later, leaving the family alone with the body. Djoser's man Tsekani stands outside the tent stoically.

No one suspects you are anything but a lowly servant girl. You keep an eye out for suspicious activity, but so far the air is peaceful. The sun sinks towards the horizon, casting a golden light over the desert. In the distance you see a crowd lining up outside the pyramid. You know in time Pharaoh and his family will march down the line with Nassor and disappear into the pyramid, where no others are permitted, save for Imhotep and the bearers. No one knows how long they will be within the large stone structure or what is even contained within its walls. Djoser will be without protection inside, but what harm could come to him?


Ahti

You fumble about the wagon gathering the ceremonial robes for Kepi. As it was such a blistering hot day, the Princess refused to dress in Memphis and sweat all the way to Saqqara. "Do you wish my stink to kill the rest of my family, little toad? You will dress me when we arrive."

As you retrieve your prize, the caravan splits and a small group containing the royals head for a small hill that overlooks the pyramid entrance. A camp is quickly erected while the family makes its final preparations. As you hurry to catch up with Kepi, you spy Tsekani keeping watch outside of the main tent. "They've already entered, little one," he grinned with an odd gleam in his eye. "But you may keep me company."

You know Kepi would have wanted to be dressed before joining her family to pray over Nassor. You can only hope her grief will limit her appetite for punishment later.


Jabari

You watch as the front and rear guard moved with the crowd to the pyramid as you and three others stayed with the royals. You set up a perimeter around the small camp while the body of Nassor is tended to. You notice Imhotep break off towards the pyramid alone. Tsekani stands outside of the main tent where Nassor is kept. Husani and Zuberi, the two young bodyguards for the Pharaoh's daughters, walk off together to cause mischief with some servant girls. Their jovial demeanor contrasts highly with the somber mood around them.

From the hill you can see the small hamlet of Saqqara, with the main house complex the most prominent structure from within the city walls. The royals will slumber there tonight; perhaps for a few nights to come. Could vengeful Canaanites have poisoned Nassor? Rebellious men from the Upper region? Peasants from the peninsula? Someone in the royal court, perhaps? The military stamped out perceived threats all the time; but it was often up to men of higher standing to name those threats.

No matter. After the ceremonies are complete, while the Pharaoh retires with his Queen in their chamber, other chambers will be looking for occupancy as well.

[Coyotzin]

Kifi
HP: 1 Cond: In service

Kifi nodded dutifuly as Imhotep gave his orders and followed the priestess. Also dutifully she kept her head bowed and her eyes to the ground as the royal family entered the tent. When they were fully inside, there was a change in her now that she wasn't walking along Imhotep. She stood straighter and looked prouder. Away from the scholar, she was his apprentice and representative and, just like Imhotep, she lacked any official authority, but their mastery of the healing sciences gave them a more intangible sort of power. They were able to bend the fate of life and death and were not servants of any god but the Pharaoh.

She is not alone outside the tent; there are many servants gathered, waiting for their masters to finish their prayers. Kifi spotted the two young slaves under Pharina Kepi and spared a thought of pity towards them. The girl was insufferable, and both she and Imhotep were glad the little princess was still sufficiently removed from the throne. One spot less now, though.

Tsekani keeping watch outside of the main tent. "They've already entered, little one," he grinned with an odd gleam in his eye. "But you may keep me company."

Kifi had a particular dislike for Tsekani as well. His lechery was evident for one such as she, who had slept with many men in the service of Hathor, but where such unions brought pleasure to her as well as honored the goddess, this man's desire was impure, meant to defile the child. His thoughts were of power and domination, not of joyful carnal union between two partners.

"Be not distracted by company, my lord." She spoke with words of reverence and a voice like poured honey, but her tone was of defiance as she stood between the adviser and the handmaiden. "As our sovereign's closest ear, you might be called at any moment. It would not do for such ears to attend anyone but the King of All Kings."

OOC: Skill Mastery to take 10 on Persuasion for a result of 25... and add +5 for Attractive 2 for 30

[Nineofspades]

Panya


I try to content myself with keeping watch over the tent, while at the same time, avoiding the tempation to peek inside. Now is a time of mourning for the Pharaoh. He needs this opportunity to properly express his grief, and begin to move onward, unshackled by the pain of losing his child.So, while I wish to be closer to his side, where I might be of better use, I keep my distance, lingering outside the tent.

Tsekani seems to have set his sights upon one of the priestess. My heart goes out to her, though I make no move to lend her aid. It would be unsightly for a slave girl to act out against a royal guard. As a warrior, I have no qualms with Tsekani himself. He is more than adequate. As a person, he disgusts me greatly. His loins run ahead of him and quickly cloud his mind to his duties. In my guise as a concubine, I have more than once found myself the subject of his 'affections'.

I am gladdened though, to see another take action. A scholar, one of Imhotep students I believe. The face looks familiar, though I cannot properly place the name. A fine enough speaker this one, quickly shutting down the guards advances with a few well chosen words. Bring the smallest of grins to my expression, if only for a moment.

With the matter somewhat resolved, I take a moment to approach the two, my every expression as befitting a poor slave girl, avoiding meeting their gazes "Would either of the Mistresses like a drink of water?" I offer, my voice little more than a squeek, as I pour from the water urn into a drinking bowl, even being sure to bend into a small bow as I extend the container in offering.

Even as I do so, I keep my eyes trained over their forms, looking for the small bulge of a concealed dagger or weapon. Offering a small kindness to others whom earn my approval is one thing, but letting potential assassins slip by merely because they show an ounce of benevolence is another.

[Lord Fell]

Ahti

The sudden odious obstruction of Adviser Tsekani filled Ahti with loathing. He mustn't interfere with her duties! She came to a staggering stop, one foot flopping free of its sandal as she stared at the predatory man. A look of stupid animal terror was trying to crack her (limited) composure. "But... but..."

And then!


Priestess Kifi! Her sudden appearance to chide Tsekani for interfering with her! So timely! Without waiting to see how this confrontation might turn out, the young Handmaiden blurted out, "I must attend the Pharina!" She dropped a deep curtsey to the Adviser, another to the Priestess, and somewhere in the process scrabbled to pick up her scattered sandal. Steeling herself against a likely opportunistic fondle, Ahti barreled her way towards the tent flap, intent on attending her mistress.

[Hound]

Hound

Hound had taken a seat near the entrance of the Pharina's tent, not too close to draw attention, but close enough to come running should his new master call. He had chosen on of the few places shaded by the sun, and proceeded to draw in the sand. To some it might look like a child playing, but in truth he was learning his numbers. As an apprentice to the Great Hunters, he was often tasked with fetching supplies, and doing delivers. A task which required him to know how much to trade.

(I did some research, not sure if people are using the currency "deben" yet which were copper metal rings, but I know most people used simple barter system.)

As such, Hound had learned the basics of counting numbers, and how to add and subtract. Though it was not an easy task. His previous master had demanded he practise every day till he no longer needed to use his fingers.

From his seat he watched the exchange between Tsekani and Ahti. Though he made no visual objection, he disliked how Tsekani and many of the other men treated women. Hound however knew his place, if he made an uproar, stood up to Tsekani, a royal guard, he would soon find himself missing a tongue, or worse a hand. A one handed man can not wield a bow.

Hound turned his attention back to the scribbles in the sand but found it hard to concentrate. He wanted to work with his bow, he wanted to practise his aim. He was good, but he wasn't great. Not yet any ways. However with tension so high, if Hound strung his bow within the camp, he would surely be killed for suspicion of attempted regicide.

With a frown, he gripped his un-strung bow in his left hand and tried to focus on his numbers.

[Coyotzin]

Kifi
HP: 1 Cond: In service

"I must attend the Pharina!"

"Hold, child." Kifi stopped the handmaiden with a gentle hand on her shoulder. She was speaking quietly but firmly, giving a warning look to Tsekani. "The royal family is in prayers and should not be interrupted. Come, let us wait to serve our lords and masters where our idle tongues will not interrupt their communion with the gods."

She led the girl several steps away from the tent, and politely refused a servant's offer of water without giving a second glance, her attention focused on Tsekani for the moment.

"I'm sorry." She whispered to Ahti. "The Pharina will get a scolding by the Pharaoh for not being ready for the Prince's funeral, and it is quite probable she will take it out on you, but I couldn't let you interrupt them. That could be punishable with death. What is your name, child?"

[roguescribner]

Everyone

Tsekani's eyes briefly widen at Kifi's interjection. His features then softened as he replied, "My lady is correct, of course." His dark eyes stole a glance at Ahti and hardened as the young servant reached for the tent flap. Kifi kindly but firmly halted Ahti's intrusion on the royals, and thankfully pulled the foolish child away.

An anonymous woman appeared offering water to the other females. The area around the tent was getting too crowded for Tsekani's mind. He was about to bark an order for everyone to clear when a high yelp burst from inside the Pharaoh's tent. His hand instinctively brushed against his dagger as he listened for trouble. Moments later, Djoser emerged and wordlessly acknowledged Tsekani. The trusted advisor nodded and followed the Pharaoh and his wife as they walked away.

Stealing a glance back at the tent, he noticed Inetkawes and Kepi emerge from the tent. The latter looked furious as she barked, "TOAD! My gown--NOW!"

The priestesses coiled inside the tent, no doubt to make the final dressings for Nassor. Tsekani stood next to his Pharaoh as he stopped to overlook the pyramid and the reddening sun. "Strike it down. I must see Nassor off to Anubis' embrace," Djoser said solemnly. Tsekani turned towards the young captain Jabari and shouted, "You there! Give the order! We must proceed on order of Pharaoh Djoser!"

Minutes would be passing during this bit, so if anyone wanted to finish a conversation or do another quick action that is fine.

[Gazman]

Jabari

"Yes, Lord Tsekani. The order is as good as given." Jabari said aloud with a bow. He followed up under his breath with "You pompous jackal of a man."

He turned to the infantrymen still setting their own tents for the night, having just finished establishing guards and seeing to their equipment. "Men! We go now to bury the son of the great king of kings. You will stand ready to move out on his orders! Now, move!" That said, Jabari went to retrieve his own weapons and armor.