The interesting part of research is puzzling out the clues. So, while the players may spend as much time as they like in this discussion, the research periods should pass with a dice roll.
—“Research”
The following is a dramatization of an example of research, the rules for which are laid out in “Research.”
“Who is Menturoc the Ardent Champion…?” Hathor-Ra repeated the question again. It was the long day’s mantra.
Streaming light through the small aperture high in the chamber’s west wall turned orange as the Solar Goddess lay the life-giving orb to its rest. The air was over warm. Clay dust filled her nostrils. Both made breathing an exercise.
The only sounds came from the rolling of papyrus, the clinking of fired clay, the folding of Hathor-Ra’s robe as she rummaged through scrolls and tablets, and the muttered mantra: “Who is Menturoc…?”
The day before brought success. Early in the day, she interpreted the Sacred Signs to discover the meaning of the scarab icon the party found in the Deep Halls. In the long-gone Amwan Culture, the scarab was the symbol of a god who represented the rising sun and the daily renewal of life. Heresy. The sun is carried along its heavenly path by the Solar Goddess, and she requires no assistance in the daily act.
While Hathor-Ra found no information about the location of the griffon fountain, which was her primary objective, she did, by mid-afternoon, discover proof of its existence. An accounting tablet described its making: “A griffon in relief, carved from granite, and gilt in beaten gold,” as well as its production cost: “Thirty-six weights of silver.”
“Weights of silver” was an ancient phrase. Though still used in some religious and poetic texts, standard coins replaced measures in recent centuries. The sum, Hathor-Ra knew, was symbolic. Thirty-six was a sacred number which meant completeness. Whatever the true cost of the griffon fountain, it was paid by the sculptors with their time and sweat to the glory of the Sun Goddess.
With that success, Hathor-Ra left the Temple Archive to share the discoveries with her companions and confer. At the Sign of the Oneiromancer, Melqart suggested that she find out more about the ardent champion who made the griffon fountain and put her on its quest.
Today, she had no success. There seemed to be no other mention of the ardent champion or the griffon fountain in the archive. Yet, she persisted. Though delivered in a dream, Menturoc’s geas had hold of her mind. She could think of naught else but the ardent champion’s bright face as he mouthed the words:
“If you will defeat the dreaming priests, you must cleanse the defiled shrine and reconsecrate it to the Solar Goddess. For it will then serve as a haven for those worthy of its protection. Seek first the griffon fountain.”
As the orange light faded, Hathor-Ra lit tallow candles and continued the search. She examined scrolls and tablets long into the night. She knew not how many hours passed before her head finally rested on one arm. At the end of the other, her hand clenched a scroll, partly unrolled. The papyrus bore colors: red, yellow, blue. Sigils formed the words, “The Deeds of Menturoc.”
THE DEEDS OF MENTUROC
- Menturoc was the ninth son of a chieftain of a nomadic desert tribe.
- The tribe was defeated in a large battle against the Radiant Host. Menturoc’s entire family, including his father, were killed in the slaughter, along with most of the tribe.
- Orphaned, nine-year-old Menturoc was taken into a noble family of Irthmalq [capital city, Base 3 on the map] and raised as one of their own.
- As a young man of eighteen years, Menturoc joined the Radiant Host and fought as a fierce and loyal soldier in many battles against the barbarian tribes that press the Sun King’s borders.
- After many battles, Menturoc lay aside his arms and armor. He donned a simple wool garment and walked, unburdened by any possessions whatsoever, into the desert. Menturoc was aged 27 years.
- Nine years later, the Sun King called forth the Radiant Host against the dreaming priests. Menturoc heard the call. He came out of the desert, carrying a sword he called Disruptor of Dreams.
- Menturoc led the Nine Companions against the dreaming priests in the Deep Halls. Many foes were slain by his blade, Disruptor of Dreams.
- Within the Deep Halls, Menturoc established a shrine to the Solar Goddess. The shrine protects those faithful to the Solar Goddess.
- Though he fought valiantly, Menturoc fell at the Battle of the Inner Redoubt. His corporal remains are entombed within the Deep Halls. Disruptor of Dreams lies upon his breast.
THE SOLAR GODDESS SHINES FOREVER ON THE SUN KING