Adventure Scenarios & Ideas

A Matter of Honor

by Bob Dushay

Originally published in the Eye of All Seeing Wonder #6, this version has been slightly modified to improve internal consistency.

Notes for the referee

This adventure was designed for conventions, using the Gardásiyal rules, where it can introduce new players to Tékumel. It is set in Jakálla in late 2365, about a year after Dhich'une's acension to the Petal Throne, with all PCs members of the Clan of the White Crystal, an old and respected high status clan. The most common occupations for this clan are medium-level priests and bureaucrats. The scenario calls for two players who are experienced Tékumel hands, each assigned a so-called 'senior PC' character. These senior PCs are designed to be subtly opposed to one another during the game, and each has a secret to keep. Neither is intended to actually engage in heroics (In fact, one of them has no combat or sorcery skills): their role instead is to serve as sources of information for the other PCs, and to help move the plot along. They also have additional information the other characters lack, which can be found at the end of this article. These characters are:

1. Dlamúz hiSankolum Dlamúz's clanfather Haikon hiSankolum was one of the clan archivists, in charge of the clan's burial records, and he passed away about two months ago from injuries suffered after a bad fall when he left a party after drinking too much. Dlamúz is provisionally taking care of the burial records until the clan can decide on a suitable replacement. For now, Dlamúz is considered steady and responsible by Néqo hiArsanmra, the Clan Head, and he may be asked to accept the position permanently. However, Dlamúz has a dark secret: two days ago, he stumbled across a hidden scroll of his father's that indicates that he had terrible gambling debts, and that he gave away some of the jewelry buried in the older tombs to cover these debts. The records show this went on for nearly four years, averaging a minor piece sold every month or so. (The fact that Haikon kept careful records of this implies that he intended to recover the jewelry somehow.) However, the last entry was about two and a half months ago: it simply says "Ta'anesh hiTukun", and it is strongly embellished.

Dlamúz does not know what to do with this information. If it becomes known that his clanfather was stealing from the clan, the whole lineage may become disgraced; certainly his family will be. If he keeps it secret it becomes his responsibility, and he will be disgraced if it is discovered.

2. T’kan Chqitne This Pé Chói is a bit of a cipher to the clan. He joined only about three months ago, and nobody but him knows exactly why. He was admitted because he paid very well, and he had letters from officials working for Prince Eselné to vouch for him. Rumors circulating in the clan say he is close to the Prince (false). The few who had tried to speak with him found him reserved and distant, except when talking about his archaeological studies, or his paintings. T’kan joined this clan for financial reasons: the clan of the Iron Fist refused to pay for his advancement in either the army or the priesthood, and T’kan did not wish them to gain from his career. He believes the clan of the White Crystal will support a scholar, so he joined them. It is ignoble to admit such base reasons, however, so he keeps quiet about his motivations, telling the clan he wished to feel part of a long chain of priests and scholars.

There are 7 additional pre-generated characters for the other players. Each character has their own hidden motivations which may bring them into conflict with each other, but if everybody behaves honorably, it should be possible to satisfy virtually everybody's goals. Hopefully not all of these characters will come along: optimal party size should be about 6, counting Dlamúz and T’kan. Of course, players may generate their own characters. They should all be members of the clan, or allies and friends of clan members, including NPCs, such as Néqo hiArsanmra.

1. Nyélme ("Illusionist") Adlár hiKhursa, a 4th circle sorcerer-priest of Sárku Cousin to Shémek. Adlár is ambitious, and intends to be sure that whatever the outcome of the adventure, it should reflect to his credit. Adlár has an Amulet of Resolve Against the Powers, a silvery half-moon the size of dime, worn around his neck. He is thus protected against spells as if he were a 10th level mage. If he fails to protect against a spell, it will burst in a puff of yellow smoke, doing the wearer damage on Table A.

2. Nyélme ("Illusionist") Chúrisan hiMrelsa, a 4th circle sorcerer-priest of Belkhánu. Chúrisan has a phobia about being buried alive, and he wishes to protect this secret. (Has a Control of Self spell ever been more appropriate?)

3. Gayán hiTessuken. Cousin to both Tsodlán and Zagár. Now a 4th circle bureaucrat in the Glorious Palace of War, Gayán is fascinated by the Underworlds and wants to see everything he possibly can with his own eyes. He also wants to return home unwounded.

4. Shémek hiKhursa, Kási of the Battalions of the Seal of the Worm, on leave. Cousin to Adlár. Shémek has been haunted by nightmares of being captured by the Hlüss ever since his capture by the Sa'á Allaqiyáni, and it is affecting his performance as an officer. He fears his present leave from duty is related to this, and this is intolerable to this fanatical Sárku legionnaire. He wants to prove himself capable of command again.

5. Tsodlán hiTessuken. Cousin to Gayán, brother to Zagár. A former Kási in the First Legion of Ever-Present Glory, now a 5th circle bureaucrat in the Palace of the Realm, under clan-brother Dlamúz. If Dlamúz rises or falls from his position, Tsodlán may be promoted to it. He also keeps a protective eye on his younger brother Zagár, the "black Hmá of the family".

6. Visán hiMarassu. A foppish dandy, worshipper of Dlamélish. Wants to see what it's like to kill somebody.

7. Zagár hiTessuken, cousin to Gayán, brother to Tsodlán. Worships Vimuhla, just to irritate his Karakán worshipping family. Rejected from the legion of Ever Present Glory, he struggled to make Kási in the Legion of Mirkitani, Hero of Victories. Forced to resign because of politics, he is very bitter about his brother's easy successes. Now a 1st circle official in the Palace of the Realm, thanks to Tsodlán's intervention. How galling.

In addition to the various secrets held by the PCs, and the usual Stability-Change tension, the Mrelsa and Marassu lineages are feuding, and Chúrisan and Visán will cause trouble for each other. This is further complicated by Dlamúz being married to a Mrelsa, and his sister is married into the Marassu lineage, while Gayán is married to a Marassu.

If running with the pre-generated characters in a smallish group, I find it valuable to have Visan along, as well as a sorcerer and a more traditional fighter, such as Zagár, Tsodlán, Shémek, or Gayán.

Important NPCs

1. Néqo hiArsanmra, the Clanmaster. He is 47 years old, short and tubby, but has a mellifluous speaking voice. His speech is florid, full of adjectives and rhetorical flourishes, and he is an accomplished orator (one of the reasons he was given the post as chief.) He is also a skillful politician, a "tough old bird", who has kept the clan prosperous by selling grain and hides to Prince Eselné, Prince Rereshqála, and the Imperium. Néqo served a term in the Legion of The Glorious Prince. Néqo worships Hnálla, and he is fond of flash and appearance. He is proudest of the clan boys who go to join the army. He is a traditionalist who is very unhappy with the civil war, and eager to return to peace and 'the usual'. He keeps his opinions regarding the succession very close to himself, and remonstrates any who express disapproval of the irregular Kolumejálim. His praises and toasts to the new Emperor have been formal, and somewhat less than his usual effusive efforts. Néqo has three wives (one he loves, one he was forced to marry, and one is much younger and like a daughter) and seven children, all grown. He enjoys poetry. Néqo prefers his quarters on an estate outside of the city.

2. Vurósa hiTukun. Quote from the Tékumel Journal #1: "Stern, business-like, abrupt; nicknamed "the Barrel"; owns ships that carry cargo of all kinds from Jaikalór to Jakálla, up-river to Béy Sü, and over to Khéiris in Mu'ugalavyá; speaks native Mu'ugalavyáni because of one of his wives; 2 sons; 9 concubines who do not care whether he lives or dies..." He is 45, worships Hnálla. The children in the clanhouse fear him. Rumor says he regularly has barbarians he meets in the street beaten and thrown in the sewer for failing to show sufficient respect.

3. Héttukeng hiGurúma, of the Great Stone clan (high status clan), a big shot in the field of Zu'úr smuggling. (Now absent from Jakálla, and possibly from the world.) Héttukeng was not a nice person. He was rotund, well-fleshed, with a severe, hawk-nosed face. He was fond of jewelry and of attending parties where he made many successful deals. A clever and suspicious man, he kept all of his activities compartmentalized, with different lieutenants running each part. Although a successful merchant in gold, precious gems, fine clothing, and jewelry (successful enough to live in his own manor outside of Jakálla), he was in the pay of the Surgéth, Baron Ald's secret police, and possibly he answered to those serving Lord Fú Shi'í more directly. Héttukeng dealt with smuggling and other illegalities as well. Rich, powerful, and part of the social whirl, Héttukeng blackmailed and entrapped a few others of high status to protect his interests, including Haikon hiSankolum. (He caught Haikon by gambling him into bankruptcy, and threatening to reveal that he sold clan burial jewels to cover his debts. In exchange for his secrecy, he wanted some favors, starting with a secure hiding place for a large chest...) Héttukeng caught wind of an OAL investigation of one of his smuggling schemes and fled to Yán Kór quite suddenly-or perhaps he was disappeared by the Surgéth. In any case, his involvement with the Zu'úr trade has not yet been discovered by the OAL. Héttukeng disappeared roughly two months ago.

4. Nebussa hiGashíku, of the Dark Flame clan (High). Héttukeng's lieutenant in the Zu'úr trade. Héttukeng kept his businesses compartmentalized, so Nebussa knew the Zu'úr trade and some smuggling concerns, but was unaware of his superior's ties to Yán Kór. Nebussa is whip-thin, darker complected, with a facial scar that pulls his lip up into a sneer. He enjoys hurting people, gives lip service to Ksárul, and climbed up Héttukeng's ladder from enforcer to administrator. He is quite smart, a practiced liar, and a good swordsman with the narrow, rapier-like sword he favors. Nebussa was told of the deal with Haikon hiSankolum, but not specifically in which tomb the Zu'úr was stored.

Nebussa didn't suspect Héttukeng was truly gone until nearly a month and a half had passed. It took him roughly a month to assert control of Héttukeng's organization, as much as he knew about. Now he is looking for the last shipment of Zu'úr. He went to see Haikon hiSankolum at the clanhouse about two weeks ago, only to discover he died recently. Nebussa is suspicious of coincidences, so he is proceeding cautiously. He uses the false name Mígor hiKhanúma, of the Standing Stone clan (high). (Thus, he will appear as Nebussa/Mígor throughout the text.) He possesses an Eye of Joyful Sitting Among Friends (labeled in Engsvanyáli, with 37 charges remaining, but there is no indicator).

The adventure begins

'Speedy', a boy that clanmaster Néqo hiArsanmra uses to run errands for him inside the clanhouse, tells each PC to meet with the clan master in his apartment that afternoon in four Kirén. 'Speedy' knows little about the conference, only that Néqo seemed thoughtful. Probing, or an attempt to discern clan gossip will only reveal that Néqo has been in a touchy mood since T’kan Chqitne (a recent addition to the clan, and a Pé Chói!) saw him early this morning. Afterwards, Néqo's méshqu was briefly The Plaque of Understandable Depression, and after about two Kirén, it was replaced with his customary 'Badge of Purposive Activity.' He then saw Vurósa hiTukun briefly. Since that meeting, Vurósa's méshqu has been The Plaque of the Fist of Stern Retribution. If T’kan is being played as an NPC, and any wish to seek him out, he will avoid them, and if pressed, he should say it is not his place to tell them about his conversation with Néqo. Approaching Vurósa will earn players a rebuke.

At the time of your appointment, you climb the stairs to Néqo's apartment. His Méshqu is still The Badge of Purposive Activity, revealing nothing. His apartment is well-furnished, as befits the apartment of a Clan Head of a wealthy and prosperous high clan. Néqo sits on his dais, and he is accompanied by Vurósa hiTukun (on the next dais down). There are many levels available on his visitor's daises. You choose a seat of the appropriate height. Other clan-brothers are here; some you know personally, and others by sight and reputation. T’kan Chqitne is present. Mivalish, one of Néqo's slaves, offers a platter of sweet pastries and fruits. Néqo inquires after the health of the family members of all who enter, and tries to put people at their ease. When everybody has arrived, and Néqo has praised everybody's family and lineage, he broaches the reason why everybody was summoned.

"I have received disturbing news from clan-member T’kan Chqitne. Disrespectful and ignoble persons have broken into the burial chambers of our ancient and illustrious clan, vandalizing the crypts of the Tukun lineage, beloved of the Gods. These impious, contemptuous despoilers intend to continue their horrid depredations of our glorious ancestors' tombs. We are going to instruct these ill-mannered dung-beetles how to respect their betters! I have asked you here because you are all either distinguished warriors or powerful sorcerers. I am asking for martial volunteers who will wield the rod of implacable chastisement upon the ignoble and lowly. You will capture these upstart despoilers, and we will turn them over to the tomb police for the high ride. Cha! Let no inducements free these clanless outcasts! Who wishes to serve as a scourge of correction?

"In addition to properly chastening the cowardly despoilers, we will need to determine what has been removed from the tombs of our honorable predecessors. You will need to conduct an efficient survey and determine what has been removed. Dlamúz, you currently maintain the burial records, as your noble father Haikon did before you. You will be in charge of making a precise record of what was taken. Perhaps the arrogant thieves have not sold our goods, and we may recover some of the items and return them to our glorious ancestors. Be so kind as to remain for a moment; the rest of you are dismissed."

Vurósa leaves also. He will accompany a warrior PC (choose the one who is most likely to kill first, and ask questions later-consider Zagár hiTessuken or Shémek hiKhursa from the pre-generated characters) and ask them to accompany him to his chambers. Vurósa will whisper, "A fine young person such as yourself could climb high with the proper assistance. I am deeply angered by these slave-lineaged dungeaters who chose my lineage's tombs to despoil. A person who saw to it that they did not escape punishment at the hands of the easily-induced tomb police, la, who personally administered the vengeance of Tukun would find me grateful, yes, very grateful. We need not even let the Tomb police know about this incident until we have repaired the damage to our honor. Ohe, need I mention that I would be extremely displeased at hearing of any robbers that escaped without punishment? I'm pleased you understand me."

Néqo waits until all of the others are gone, then he motions Dlamúz to sit at the appropriate dais. "You have a wise head, and I trust all will be done properly. I have one other task for you, and you should perform it with circumspection. T’kan is new to our clan, and the heart in a Pé Chói's breast beats differently than ours, ne? Keep watch upon his actions, and be sure he has no part in this outrage."

If Dlamúz protests that the person who brings news of the problem is unlikely to be involved, Néqo will extend a hand to indicate he wishes to continue talking. "One may betray one's comrades when one's plan can no longer be hidden, ne? T’kan may have loyalties outside of our clan. Simply watch him."

He hands Dlamúz a scroll. "These documents should be shown to any tomb police who would prevent our survey. They will grant you passage. Here are the keys to the tombs, also. May Hnálla watch over you and grant you success."

In another four Kirén or so, the party is ready to go. They are a largish group: in addition to the PCs, there are six burly slaves to do the physical labor, three slaves carrying lanterns, and as many as are needed to carry the requisite bundles: armor, blankets, a fine dinner, a pot of mortar to repair what can be quickly rebuilt. The group crosses the city to the High Gate of Chaimaktel, and walks into the City of the Dead. To the left looms the massive, frowning pyramid of the Tomb of Ssirandár I, the Ever Victorious, founder of the dynasty of the First Imperium, dominating the whole City of the Dead. To the right, nearly as massive, squats the Pyramid Tomb of Báshdis Mssá behind a row of lesser tombs. You don't have much time to gawk, however, as you are swiftly beset by the usual crowd: people thrusting guidebooks at you to buy, or skull-shaped tomb candles to light the path of the dead to the Isles of Teretané, or amulets to protect you from ill-fortune. Ragged children beg for loose coins, old women carrying trays try to sell you sweets to offer to the dead, and oily young men offer to guide you to the most interesting tombs. These people are often a nuisance to those entering the City of the Dead, although they usually plague tourists, not high clan Jakállans. If the party moves swiftly to scatter these scavengers, all is well. The party may also lose the crowd by dispensing 5-15 Hlásh to various vendors or beggars and making it clear that they will spend no more. Otherwise, they will be harassed for 1-10 minutes, and there is a 40% chance that somebody will have their purse stolen unless they make a specific action to protect themselves (roll an additional d10 to see what happens to the crowd):

If the tomb police does not show to scatter the crowd, the party will encounter a squad of them as they cross the Necropolis. They wear copper breast-plates with the worm of Sárku on the breast, and carry banded staves and short swords. Their Tirrikámu, Qurómdosh hiDagarúm of the Clan of the Open Sepulchre (Low) asks for your papers. He offers to escort the party to its tomb: "Thursa party of priestesses furm th' temple of Hriháyal celebratin' a richul n' th' Temple of Hyáshra, nex'cellencies. Wouldn' wannabe m'staken fer their fancy-boys, ah, no 'fense, nex'cellencies." (Priestesses of Hriháyal are not above kidnapping victims for their rituals, although high clan members are usually safe.)

There is a hushed air in the City of the Dead. Well-worn paths through the grass lead to the most famous burial places, including the ruined tomb of Queen Nayári of the Silken Thighs, the Tomb of the Lost King, and the ruined tower of Mnéttukeng the Sorcerer. Speaking of wizards, somewhere in the necropolis is the Tower of Ruvádis, The Wearer of Eyes, a powerful local wizard, but no sight-seeing trail leads to his home! It is easy enough to find the dome that marks the entrance to the tombs of the Clan of the White Crystal.

The dome stands roughly thirty feet tall, of white marble with sparkling white flecks visible in it, all atop a truncated pyramid another thirty feet tall. Figures in clan dress from the Engsvanyáli period are carved into the outer walls, along with Engsvanyáli script praising the clan in the sight of the Immortal Gods. The entrance to the rotunda is a massive bronze gate, which is opened by a key carried by Dlamúz. Inside are verses from the priesthoods of Belkhánu and all of the gods of Change concerning death and funerary rituals. Another locked bronze gate leads to a sweeping spiral stair of marble descending under the rotunda. After one complete circle, the stairs straighten out and descend into the earth. The walls are of marble, with inscriptions praising the clan, and speaking of the transformations of death, and the paradises for the deceased. The corridor continues to a domed chamber, where the walls are now dirtier. Low daises are carved into the walls, and a cool breeze blows into the chamber. There are four exits, each closed by a differently elaborated bronze grate. Each gate has lineages carved above them, and Dlamúz selects the third gate, the gate to the tombs of the Sankolum, Tetkuru, Charunai, and Tukun lineages. This corridor is a bit narrower, with a peaked ceiling, damp walls, and puddles on the floor. The walls are now granite, and the script is now Classical Tsolyáni, giving descriptions of the various paradises of the Illustrious Gods, O Beloved. A large, black crack splits the granite to the right, but Dlamúz proceeds. [Note for referee: this crack is how the robbers got in, but it is unmapped. If the party insists on exploring, they can find a few empty chambers and a dirt tunnel leading to the surface. One of the otherwise empty chambers has a hole in the floor that leads to a lower chamber where a Biridlu waits.] A tunnel angles off to the right, with the symbols of the Sankolum lineage. Further on, a tunnel for the Charunai lineage splits off to the left. Yet further, the tunnel to the Tukun lineage appears on the left, and the party proceeds that way. A short way in, there are three steps down. The Tukun lineage's corridor is inscribed in the spidery script of éngsvan hlá Gánga, with verses describing the Battle of Dórmoron Plain. There are basalt plugs blocking some of the rooms, and others are closed by more bronze grates or portcullises, while some yawn blackly with only the bronze hinge pins remaining of their original doors.

This tunnel makes three zig-zags, and ends with a bronze door, green with corrosion. There is a bronze door to the right and another to the left. Fresh scrapes in the stone floor indicates the one to the right has been used recently, the one directly ahead less recently. T’kan Chqitne indicates that the one to the right is the correct chamber. [Note to referee: T’kan was studying in chamber "B", hence the fresher marks in the floor, which deceived Nebussa into thinking the chest was hidden in that room.] The delicate glyphs of the Empire of the Priestkings are stylistically poor, but pronounce these the edifying remains of the excellent dead, honorable and worthy.

Chambers "A" and "B" are ancient burial chambers of the Tukun lineage, and the door to the left leads to a set of tombs for the now-extinct Cha'unqel lineage. (Individual tombs are number-keyed.) Chamber "C" has simple basalt slabs on the floor, from a poorer period in the clan's history. Chamber "D" has a tomb similar to #5 in Chamber "B", and Chamber "E" has a tomb like #6-8 in Chamber "B".

Chamber "B": This room has a tented roof, supported by six pillars of red marble, engraved with the Engsvanyáli script with prayers for the dead. Tombs 1-3 are blocky mausolea with tented roofs, and a black marble block in the front identifying the occupant. Tombs 6-8 and 10 are simple daises with eight columns rising from them, and a square obelisk in the front. Tombs 4 and 9 are miniature ziggurats, tomb 5 is a simple slab of black basalt with a triangular obelisk. Tomb 11 is an unusual oval dais with two catafalques, each with a short, round column rising it.

Noteworthy are tomb #5, the oldest of the Tukun tombs, and tomb #11, in that it is the last resting place for twin brothers (Nriga and Yamashan hiTukun) who jointly commanded the Engsvanyáli Legion of the Whispering Cliffs.

Tombs 1-4 and 11 have all been broken into. The robbers have hacked their way into the front of tombs 1-3, the top of 4 and the center front top of 11. Their equipment (spare clean kilts, mattocks, sledges, spades, prybars, etc.) is stored in tomb #1, and the hole to tomb #11 has been hastily filled with cloaks and chunks of rock. The reason for this will be obvious once the hole has been re-opened: there is the horrid stench of a dead body, about a week old . He lies in a heap near the hole. His cause of death is not apparent, but smears on the floor show he was dragged from the middle of the floor to his current position near the hole. Dlamúz's tomb records show this tomb was trapped with a poison dart trap, triggered in the middle of the room. To learn more, the body will have to be examined, either from inside the chamber or by removing the rotting corpse (or by magic.) The man was about 30 years old, thin and wiry. His kilt and amulets proclaim him a worshipper of Chiténg-not a deity for tomb robbers.

Each of the tombs that have been broken into has had articles removed, but none of them large. Gems and jewelry are missing, but items such as valuable pottery, coins, and urns have been left behind. More was taken from tombs near the entrance to the chamber than those further in. Anybody who knows anything about tomb robbing, architecture, or engineering can instantly say this is the work of amateurs: scars in the stone indicate they had to try at several points to open some tombs, they don't necessarily break through the thin points of the architecture, they are breaking in methodically rather than into the most valuable tombs first, there are no markings in tomb-robber argot to indicate dangers, and most importantly, the burial shafts under the upper chamber have not been opened. The burial shafts lead to the chambers where the really valuable grave goods were buried. T’kan will realize as soon as he inspects the tombs that the work in Chamber B is from rank amateurs. [Incidentally, Haikon did not raid this room.] The thefts are from Nebussa's henchmen, who are taking souvenirs as they dig for the missing chest.

Unlooted tomb chambers generally have little of interest: 5-50 pottery items (dishes, ewers, bowls, etc.) dating from the late Engsvanyáli to early Tsolyáni periods; corroded coins (again, Engsvanyáli or Tsolyáni) in heaps of dust, some gems and jewelry, and pottery and corroded bronze grave goods. There is a 45% chance that the pottery or metal is valuable. (Of course, Dlamúz has a record of what lies in which tombs, so he will know in advance.) All items of wood, parchment, fabric, Chlén-hide, etc., have decayed to nothing.

In Chamber "A", there are eight individual burial-domes. All of the tombs are superficially identical: a low basalt or black granite dais, a low, elliptical dome, a short crawl-way into the dome in the narrow end of it, and a black stele engraved with the deeds of the individual within. Superficially, these resemble strongly the burial practices of the Bednalljans. However, the Bednalljans preferred massive blocks carefully fitted together, while these are smaller stones mortared together. The outer edges of the dais-slab were chiseled with tiny decorative engravings, men and other creatures dancing around the tomb. The four pillars holding up the roof of the chamber are firm and practical (these tombs used to be above-ground, and the chamber was built around them, so it is early Second Imperium architecture). There is an altar to Dlamélish at the far end of the room (the most popular deity in Jakálla at the time; a custom that continues to this day).

If the tombs in Chamber "A" are examined, it can be seen that the plugs to each of the tombs has had its original seals removed, and an easily removed mortar has been applied to disguise this fact. Each of them is missing one or two articles of jewelry or gems, but nothing else is missing. [Note for the referee: This was all Haikon's work. An observant player will correctly conclude that the person who despoiled these tombs was not part of the same team that did the robbing in Chamber "B".] If the party learns that there were items removed from this room, T’kan should realize quickly that this is also not the work of tomb robbers, due to the delicacy of the work and the lack of tomb-robber marks.

The tomb of Ta'anesh hiTukun is #4; inside, one armlet is missing, but there is a strange chest made of a material like molded eggshell, inset with small seashells and some tiny gems. It is not dusty enough to have been here long. If the party opens the chest, they will find it full of cloth packets. Each cloth packet is full of iridescent green powder: Zu'úr!

As anybody with a knowledge of narcotics knows, the penalties for possession of Zu'úr are the most severe imaginable: Those found using the substance are declared Nakomé (clanless) and then impaled. All of their goods are confiscated and redistributed to the clan. Sellers of Zu'úr are to have their minds probed, and if they survive, they are sent to the Ultimate Labyrinth of the Tólek Kána pits.

About the middle of the night, Nebussa hiGashíku (false name Mígor hiKhanúma) arrives with his muscle. Figure on 1-2 thugs for each member of the party, and 1 warrior for every three members of the party. The group should be large enough to put up a good fight, but not too large, since Nebussa doesn't expect much opposition.

In spite of the fact that Nebussa/Migor has the best HBS of anybody in the party, he will avoid joining the melee personally unless there is absolutely no choice or if there is virtually no chance of being injured while he preserves others of his group.  Nebussa/Migor prefers to be in the background, and he will use the Eye as soon as it appears his gang may have trouble. 

REMEMBER: Nebussa/Migor did not expect a fight, and has no wish to engage in one.  Unless he can overpower the defenders easily, he will leave with his men and revert to the schemes given below.

If the pre-generated character Shemek hiKhursa (who is a big fella) is with the party, Nebussa will need extra muscle to give his party a chance.  Add a N'luss bodyguard:

Possible outcomes of the melee:

1. The party loses. Unlikely, unless they are foolish. They should have a sorcerer, and they should be preparing an ambush. If the party loses, Nebussa/Mígor will interrogate them for the location of the chest. He won't be gentle, and will start with torture immediately after the first setback. He will use party members as trap-detectors. If they let him take the Zu'úr, he will sneer, and leave, reminding them that he's got the goods on them, and "next time" he won't let them off so easy. Nebussa/Mígor may use the clan to do "favors" for him again, but he will feel a need to show them the consequences of interfering with his business first.

Concluding the adventure: Although this removes the Zu'úr from the clan's property for now, this is abject failure. If the party is skillful, they will be able to claim that the tomb robbers will not return, but they may be blackmailed by Nebussa/Mígor in the future.

2. Nebussa/Mígor loses the battle and escapes. He will call a retreat as soon as it is clear that he will face stiff resistance. He doesn't want a big fight. He may try to capture one of the party and force him to tell him where the chest is. If it's clear the party member doesn't know, he'll negotiate with the rest of the party. (See the paragraph below on negotiating with Nebussa/Mígor.) If Nebussa/Mígor can’t capture a party member tonight, he will return the next night, with a bigger party (at least 2 thugs and 1 warrior per party member) and a gang of slaves. If the party used magic, he will either hire a special (such as a N'lüss or Shén mercenary, or a disreputable sorcerer or borrow an Eye of Raging Power), and stake the tomb out. He will then make a concerted attempt to find the Zu'úr as quickly as possible. He'll find it in about 10 hours by massive break-ins of all tombs if he isn't interrupted. If the party (or others) return, he'll be prepared to capture one of them or retreat. If he cannot capture one, he'll spy out how the party acts in the tomb to see if he can figure where the chest is, and work as best he can to get it.

Concluding the adventure: After Nebussa/Mígor retreats, the party will have to figure out what to do. If they post guards, continue the adventure. (If there is no time, and they have not discovered the Zu'úr, then after they leave there will be one massive break-in of all the tombs, great damage will be done, and there will be no recurrence, as the Zu'úr will be gone. If the party makes sure the tomb is continually guarded, Nebussa/Mígor will have to wait until the guard is weaker, and attack. The party will be disgraced by its failure to dispatch the tomb robbers at the first encounter.) If the game continues, look for the ultimate resolution either in Nebussa's or the party's favor.

3. Nebussa/Mígor is captured. He will ask why he is being interfered with and negotiate.

Negotiating with Nebussa/Mígor. He will stick to his false identity if he doesn't have the upper hand, but if he's on top, he'll reveal his own name. Nebussa/Mígor knows both Héttukeng and Haikon have disappeared at about the same time. Being the suspicious sort, he believes either somebody else is trying to muscle in on the Zu'úr, or the clan is unhappy about the blackmail. He is not likely to assume the clan is ignorant of the deal and is trying to stop the tomb robbery, unless the players have let this information slip (such as shouting during the battle). If Nebussa/Mígor has the upper hand, he will threaten to reveal Haikon's perfidy to the clan. If he's at a disadvantage, he'll first try to put the best face on it: that Héttukeng and Haikon had a deal, and he's merely recovering property of his own. He had nothing to do with the blackmail, that was Héttukeng's way! If the PCs are unmoved by this, he'll offer them a cut of the profits: "So you want a part! It is not as easy to sell as you think! I have Héttukeng's connections, but I do not think you do. How much of the profit do you want?" If the party doesn't play along, but accuses him of tomb robbing, he will be incredulous. "Tomb robbing? That's stupid! No profit in it. I have no interest in your dead." If the PCs continue, he will even apologize for the damage his men have done: "We have been careless, but we are only looking for our property. Haikon was inconsiderate for not telling us where to find it." If he can pull off the innocents routine, he will offer to pay Shámtla for the damage. If he can extract the Zu'úr and maintain his innocence, he will even pretend that he didn't know that's what was hidden there. He'll cluck his tongue at the faithless rogues of the world, and blame Héttukeng for being so depraved. He will offer to dispose of the stuff secretly, because there isn't any place safe to hide it without being found by the OAL. Nebussa isn't above letting the party do the work and having his men attack them while they are otherwise distracted.

If the party is not in the mood to talk, but simply wishes to execute prisoners, Nebussa will do his best to get their attention: a cruel irony in his eyes to die for tomb robbery when he has such bigger matters to attend to! He will then negotiate for his freedom and the chest.

Concluding the adventure: This resolves the Zu'úr situation nicely, but it leaves the robbers unpunished, and the clan elders will surely wish to know why Haikon permitted somebody to store something valuable in the tomb! Dlamúz would not welcome the resultant investigation, and eventually the whole party comes across looking like saps. Bad move, and dishonor to the party in the long run.

4. Nebussa and his henchmen are all killed or otherwise dealt with. This would be the party's ultimate victory, but the Zu'úr must be disposed of also. The referee should work very hard to get Nebussa to escape; he doesn't want to die here, and he's perfectly willing to sacrifice all his thugs to do it.

Concluding the adventure: If Nebussa is slain without explaining and if the Zu'úr is never found, then the party will assume all is well...until a new batch of tomb robbers appears in a few months as Héttukeng's other henchmen begin to address the Zu'úr trade and search for this shipment. Depending on how lenient the referee is, the party might be permitted to get away with this solution, especially if the second batch of tomb robbers is considered a new bunch entirely. As long as the Zu'úr isn't discovered, and Haikon's ignoble behavior also remains hidden, all will be well. A referee may also allow the party to return home, believing they have accomplished the job, only to be disgraced in three or four months when the Zu'úr is discovered. They may not be blamable directly unless Haikon's behavior is discovered, but they will be under a cloud nonetheless.

It is far better that the party capture Nebussa, find out about the Zu'úr, and deal with him and the drug at once. The Zu'úr must be disposed of, and a clear message sent not to mess around with the White Crystal Clan. This is the ultimate solution to the adventure, and what the players and referee should strive for.

Loose ends, if this adventure is used for a campaign

There may be searchers looking for Héttukeng's illicit businesses. The OAL may have caught wind of Héttukeng's dealings, and are tying up loose ends. Similarly, the Surgéth, who know of his drug deals, may be looking for the drugs, and possibly for a connection to the next distributor. Others in Héttukeng's organization may have discovered his Zu'úr dealing and are looking for a piece of the action. Or, Héttukeng's disappearance may have been temporary, and he can come back to cause big trouble for everybody. This much heat could be a good excuse for the party to get out of the country: Mu'ugalavyá or Salarvyá, anybody?

Supporting Douments

Things Dlamúz hiSankolum Would Know (Give to Dlamúz’s player)

As keeper of the tomb burial records, Dlamúz knows who is buried in each tomb, what is buried with them, and any traps that were set. Here is a list of who is buried where. (Actual tomb contents are not important for the game.)

Chamber A is for the Tukun lineage.

A1. Kagoth hiTukun, Chamberlain of the temple of Hnálla, XVIII Dynasty. If a secret catch is not tripped before descending the tomb shaft under the floor, a blade with scythe across the tomb shaft, disjecting robbers in two.

A2. Qoruma hiTukun, wealthy and esteemed.

A3. Mnela hiTukun, Priestess of Dlamélish.

A4. Ta’anesh hiTukun, High General of the Legion of the Weeping Sun.

A5. Dridakku hiTukun, Chancellor of the Palace of the Realm, XXIII Dynasty.

A6. Ssuri hiTukun, Aridani Minister of the Palace of the Priesthoods of the Gods.

A7. Arkutu hiTukun, wealthy and esteemed.

A8. Heredaru hiTukun, wealthy and esteemed.

Chamber B is for the Tukun lineage.

B1. Meshmuyel hiTukun, Grand Clan Head.

B2. Dadayel hiTukun, far traveller, beloved and revered.

B3. Tontiken hiTukun, wealthy and esteemed.

B4. Trasune hiTukun, who increased the clan’s wealth.

B5. Znayashu hiTukun, (first of the Tukun lineage to join the clan).

B6. Su’esa hiTukun, “She Who Preserved the Clan” (?) Her sarcophagus has poisoned needles in the decorations.

B7. Nriga hiTukun,"Lord of Increase" (?)

B8. Mengano hiTukun, Adept of the temple of Ksárul. The true burial chamber is concealed behind a false one.

B9. Kurshetl hiTukun, wealthy and esteemed.

B10. Saku’u hiTukun, Adept of the temple of Belkhánu.

B11. Nriga and Yamashan hiTukun, High Generals of the Legion of the Whispering Cliffs. The breast plate of a demon carved into the floor in the middle of the room triggers a flight of poisoned darts. Further, if the third hand-hold is not skipped while descending the actual tomb shaft under the floor, the tomb shaft will not extend to the tombs, but will lead robbers to further tunnels in the Underworld where they will be unable to find their way back.

Chambers C, D, and E are for the now-extinct Cha’unqel lineage.

C1. Korikadan hiCha’unqel, Master Merchant, beloved and revered.

C2. Aknallu hiCha’unqel, “He Who Was Gladdened” (?)

C3. Eküne hiCha’unqel, “The River of Gold” (?) If the catch isn’t touched when the coffin lid is lifted, the opener gets a spread of darts fired at him from inside the coffin.

C4. Fashranu hiCha’unqel, wealthy and esteemed.

D. Kurkutashmu hiCha’unqel, “Architect of the Beloved Gods” (?) The tomb tunnels below are a maze. Follow the word ‘majesty’ at each intersection to find the way to the tomb, or be lost forever.

E. Lassutl hiCha’unqel, Chamberlain of the courtyard of the God-Kings, XVth Dynasty.

Things T’kan Chqitne Would Know (Give to T’kan’s player)

T’kan does not have the records that Dlamúz has access to, but he can read the inscriptions on the tombs. Further, he has a good knowledge of basic tomb design: the visible structures in the rooms are simply offering chambers. A tomb shaft lies beneath the floor of each of these, leading to another set of tunnels further down, where the true burial rooms and the rich grave goods lie.

1. You have been studying the tombs in Room B since shortly after joining the White Crystal Clan three months ago. You have made four visits to this tomb, the most recent one being yesterday afternoon, and the next most recent visit was a month ago. Normally, you sit in the chamber, take notes of the various tombs, and make rubbings of the inscriptions. Yesterday, you saw that tombs 1, 2, 3, 4, and 11 had been violated. Peering inside the opened tombs to see what had been done, you noted the tools stored in Meshmuyel hiTukun’s tomb (#B1). You did not disturb the plug covering the hole in Nriga and Yamashan hiTukun’s tomb (#B11). You immediately returned to the clanhouse to make your report, but were unable to see Clanmaster Néqo hiArsanmra until this morning.

2. The tombs in Chamber B are a mixture of different styles, reflecting changes in fashion in the late Engsvanyáli Empire. Tomb 5 is the oldest tomb there, the plain basalt slab reflecting either a brief fashion of simplicity or possibly a lack of funds. Tombs 6, 7, 8, and 10 are chronologically next, the eight slim pillars showing a respect for both a basic simplicity of the earlier period, with the gentle ornamentation of the eight slender pillars. The four corner pillars are all inscribed with praises for the Gods, who hold up the world as the pillars hold up a ceiling. The four inner pillars are inscribed with praises for the God King, the clan, the lineage, and the family. The four-cornered stele in front is delicately carved with spidery glyphs of praise for the individual within. The fact that most of these inscriptions are eroded and unreadable underline the shoddy workmanship that became common at the end of the Empire. Tomb 11 comes next chronologically, and it is highly unusual, being a dual tomb for the twin brothers Nriga and Yamashan hiTukun, who jointly served as High General of the Legion of the Whispering Cliffs. Again, most of the inscriptions have worn away. This tomb is unique, in your experience, and any desecration is a high crime as far as you are concerned. Tombs 4 and 9 are ugly imitations of temple pyramids, and come from a degenerate and bankrupt aesthetic. Tombs 1, 2, and 3 represent a return to a simple style, with a stone box with a peaked roof, with the deeds of the sleeper within inscribed on a black marble block on the front. In spite of the nearly 100 year period represented by these tomb designs, all show the poor quality stonework and engraving characteristic of the social decay towards the end of the Engsvanyáli Empire.

3. You have not entered room A before. This room is filled with examples of tombs built sometime in the middle Engsvanyáli period, which you have not studied. However, the tombs are all copies of the basic Bednálljan design, with daises, low domes, and a triangular stele in front. However, these can be clearly noted to be Engsvanyáli because of the use of small stones mortared together, the fine decorative engravings on the edges of the dais-slab, and the fine proportions of the steles, engraved with the spidery characters of Engsvanyáli. Bednálljans used larger slabs of rock, their steles were more powerful and massive-appearing, with knife-edged glyphs on them (and nowhere else on the tomb). The block at the far end of the room is an altar to Dlamélish. The pillars and chamber are of early Second Imperium design, so this room was built around the tombs.

4. Chambers C, D, and E are for the Cha’unqel Lineage. The four tombs in room C are rather old, predating the oldest tomb in Chamber B. They are simple flat slabs, with inscriptions along the sides, and the top is covered with the fine carving of Engsvanyáli writing. These tombs are from the middle of the Engsvanyáli Empire, before your area of study. The single tomb in room D is of the same design as tomb #5 in chamber B, and the tomb in room E is of the same style as tombs 6, 7, and 8 in Chamber B.

Gardásiyal Stats for the pre-generated PCs

[Return to Top]

• Rules & Game Systems
• Adventures on Tékumel
• Adventure Scenarios & Ideas
• Credit & Cash Scenario Ideas
• The Temple of the Doomed Prince
• A Matter of Honor
• Against the Grain
• An Excursion into Old Ch’óchi
• Random Rumors and News Items
• Khirgári Adventure Seeds
• The Silver Hmá
• Friends in Foreign Parts
• Locales
• Clans & Personalities
• Flora & Fauna
• Magical Items
• Advice, Humor & Articles
• Gaming Tools & Play Aids
• Miniatures