Session #63: Lost in the Dark

Shortly after the expedition into the Ocean's Throat sea-caves about two weeks ago,  (magic-user 6) was seen about in Cothon, seeking through the market, inquiring where best to purchase a fine oar for sacrifice in the cothon-tombs buried in the recesses behind the Cenotaph of the Necropolis. His proffered explanation was that he wanted to make a sacrifice to the ancient spirits on behalf of his friends and associates Najm ibn Marwan and Arngeir of the Green Gleam, both of whom are now ship-owners as well as barbarian-adventurers.

After purchasing a fine boat oar and seeing that a woodcarver of some skill had made artistic marks upon it, Bart then set out through the Gate of Mourners to the gash in the Tel al Safina that contains the Necropolis, all alone.

And for a week at least he has not been heard from, having disappeared into the dark deeps of the Tel!

His friends and fellow Survivors of the Tel, worried about his fate, inquired with the Poor Brothers of the Dead who patrol the way to the Necropolis if they had seen Bart recently, and was he hale or no? Sesel, Voice of the Survivors sought out his friend, a captain of the Poor Brothers by name of Agon Raffa, in particular, and Agon was able to confirm--"Yes, he passed along the Pallbearers' Way. We saw him go, but I haven't heard of his return. But you barbarians--ah, sorry, Citizen, I mean your friends--are always coming and going by circuitous ways. Maybe he came in by the Fishermen's Gate?"

Well, at that time he had not; but the upshot is that Bart has finally returned! His load lighter by a boat oar and made heavier only by some kind of crown, which he surreptitiously carried under his black cloak, but which sharp-eyed passersby swore to have seen him examining intently when no-one else was looking.

He seemed somewhat haggard on his return to Cothon-Under-Sstar, leaner, and with tired circles under his eyes; and he acknowledges that he has spent some time in the dark Underworld of the Tel, though just why he was gone so long only he might tell ...

The Lucre

• a crown of beaten gold
• more that Bart is keeping to himself?

The Learning

• 3000 from treasure
• 1174 xp from mnor scouts x11 (100 + hp ea.)
• 1684 xp from shadowy treasure guardians x4 (200 + hp ea.)
• 200 xp for entrance into a formerly unexplored place

The Cut

• dinars to be determined by finding a buyer, if desired
• 6058 xp to Bart

As always, if Bart wishes to make a report of this expedition--in the form of art, account, or otherwise--to be published here, he will receive 100 xp per level