IC

[Rooter]

Perturbed by this apparently disembodied voice Fenn moves to inspect the closest sarcophagi.

[Cotton]

The voice responds, "The gods and I are not on good terms, but there are a group of vermin nearby who worship a sea god." The longer the trio listen to the voice the more they are confused by it. It is oddly high pitched but still drips with hatred.

Fenn sees the stone sarcophagus, he could push the lid and open it slightly if he were so inclined, but he would risk making noise.

[evil_scientist]

Anakunaisi

"Why would one worship a sea god so far from the shore?"

Anakunaisi slowly paces around the place in a small radius, trying to spot the source of the voice.

[Mr. Handy]

"We met some of those vermin," says Claudius. "They tried to kill us, but we killed them first. What have you heard about them?"

[Rooter]

Fenn pushes back the lid of the sarcophagus slightly to peer inside...

[Cotton]

The voice responds, "When they first came to this place they told me that they had been driven from their homeland by the adherents of another god. They believe they've found a place sacred to their god under the long hall, and have refused to leave ever since."

If the owner of the voice notices Fenn, it does not let on. Fenn is greeted by a musty smell and the sight of fine clothing, faded with age, and a desiccated arm.

[Mr. Handy]

"They are still here, then," says Claudius. "Do you want them removed?"

[evil_scientist]

Anakunaisi

Cultists still lurking around? Anakunaisi prepares his bow... He continues moving around, slowly, to check for points of entry / exit in the place.

[Rooter]

Fenn draws back from the sarcophagus, his curiosity outweighed by the sudden idea of where or rather what the voice might be coming from, as he listens to the conversation. "The other building outside looked like the long hall. At least we know where they are hiding and will be prepared. Perhaps we can take them by surprise, even."

[Cotton]

To Claudius the voice replies, "Why would you be so willing to throw yourselves into danger to help a stranger?"

As far as Anakunaisi can tell the only entrance or exit to this inner room is the one the trio came through.

[Mr. Handy]

"Revenge, for a start," says Claudius with a shrug. "We've tangled with these blackguards before, and they've killed some of our men."

[Rooter]

"Protection, too," Fenn adds. "We can help each other. What of the treasures stored here? Those are what we have come to retrieve on behalf of our employer. Have the Dagon-worshippers taken them?"

[Cotton]

"Revenge. Greed." The voice muses. "Understandable motives. I do believe we can help one another if the three of you and your companions are willing to listen to my proposal."

[evil_scientist]

Anakunaisi

Striking bargains with a disembodied voice... Anakunaisi feels like he is back at his old master's dark tower...

"We are willing. Speak, voice. We are listening."

[Mr. Handy]

Claudius nods, though he isn't sure if the voice can see it.

[Cotton]

"Very good. All I need from you is one of the wretches that squats in the great hall. Alive, and bound. Leave it here and then simply vacate this ruin until this time tomorrow. In exchange I will rid this place of the cultists, and whatever treasures remain are yours for the taking."

[Rooter]

"Fine by me," Fenn replies though he isn't sure how much they can trust this unseen and nameless spirit. Not wanting to spend any longer than necessary in this tomb he goes to rejoin the rest of the party outside.

[Mr. Handy]

"Agreed," says Claudius, following Fenn.

[evil_scientist]

Anakunaisi joins the others outside.

"Let's check out the building."

[Cotton]

As the trio exit into the outer room of the temple they find the rest of the scouting party waiting with weapons drawn. They seem confused and on edge. All eyes are on the trio.