Episode 3, Part 1: Did Someone Say Dungeon?

The Adventurer's Guild actually seems to be courting you somewhat, or someone has taking a great liking to you. The characters receive a request to head for the Sages’ Guildhall. The sages have a new archaeological dig that has been found and they would like a recon team to ensure that it is safe. Upon arriving at the Guildhall they are shown to the well appointed office on the second floor.

The large room is full of comfortable clutter. Thickly cushioned chairs are scattered about, wall-to-wall bookshelves are crammed with hundreds of books, scrolls, and maps, devoid of any discernible filing system, and well-worn rugs covered the floor. The far wall is almost entirely occupied by large windows that look over the courtyard gardens. The tops of the windows are inset with stained glass that allow rose-colored light onto the dust motes dancing in the air. Before the windows, a massive oaken desk takes advantage of the sunlight. Behind the desk and its stacks of books and papers, an aging man sits scribbling furiously in a ledger.

Tharivian Atterwood of the Sages's Guild

Tharivian Atterwood is an amiable old man with a neatly trimmed gray beard and shrewd blue eyes. He welcomes the group, offer them wine and other drink from the sideboard, and geta down to business.

Researchers for the Sages’ Guild have recently discovered the tomb of Toth Nekamek, an ancient King believed to have reigned over 2000 years ago. The tomb is assumed to be full of artifacts: it would be very useful in the research of both the late King and in the ancient god he worshiped. That the treasure within the crypt is also of great monetary value is considered a given.

The Guild would very much like to send teams to excavate the tomb and catalog is contents. However the initial scouts returned with reports of a hostile group of humanoids that has taken up residence within caverns near the tomb. The local villages have also felt the effects of having these hostile beings nearby.

Tharivian is looking to hire a group of adventurers to clear the tomb of its current residents as well as any ancient traps that may have been left by the builders, so that it will be safe to send their researchers. They are willing to pay $5000 with 1000 in advance. He also understands that the treasure from the tomb would be very tempting to enterprising adventurers.

“Now, I know that it is standard protocol to allow people such as yourselves to keep the treasure they find. However, please understand that that is impossible in this case. Still, with no desire to cheat you out of your reward (or for incurred artifacts to find their ways into your pockets, he says with a wink) the Guild will gladly pay fair value for any items you are able to carry out of the tomb. Simply bring them back here when you come for your fee. Good, solid coin will undoubtedly be more to your liking than a bunch of clunky old junk, anyway, right?”

Maps are given of the region with a smaller more detailed map given of the area leading to the opening of the site.

GM’s note: It is assumed by now that everyone in the group has purchased a horse and basic gear. Each character now has the Ephemera of Good [+2] Wealthy. It will last throughout the next Episode. As with all Ephemera, you can you can continue to keep them by expending one style die per Ephemera per episode.

Though you have been paid considerable amounts of money, unless your character pays out points to take the Wealthy Forte, or something similar which would indicate an above average flow of income, it is assumed that your character has essentially squandered your wealth on getting equipment, having riotous parties, sending money home to your families, investing in failed schemes, helping people out, etc.