So Zamonth pretty much paralyzed the guy from the neck down. Turns out he wasn't even an assassin, just a food vendor trying to show off his cool knife.
Sorry for the late reply! Meant to post yesterday but was busy. I had to keep the part with Zamonth, Qar, and Satiah short because I wrote too much for the event happening with Amen and Nebet.
Amen quietly follows Nebet as she leads him through the intricate underground maze that is Thebes' necropolis. Conceived and built during the reign of Thutmose's father, this labyrinth spans nearly half the length of the city and is safeguarded by magic and traps only recognizable by a trusted circle of priests—Nebet being one of them. Illusory walls and false paths have led to the capture or demise of many a grave robber. The necropolis is also divided into different sections, namely for the distinction between the common folk and those of nobility. The departed nobles tend to have chambers for themselves which houses their valuables and mummified pets. Mummification of the departed is either for the very wealthy or those of unique distinction like queens and important palace officials. Embalming the dead is a labored process and can almost be consider an art form in some ways. Perhaps Nebet would agree.
After a good twenty minutes or so, Nebet informs Amen that they have arrived at Thutmose's burial chamber, and an impressive chamber it is with numerous valuables placed about. The sarcophagus itself at the center of the chamber is of brass and gold adorned with various jewel inlays. Such an expensive piece wasted on a place like this. After all, it's not as if Thutmose is using it. His body is at the Valley of Kings with the rest of the departed pharaohs throughout Egyptian history. Surrounding the elaborate coffin are jars with cat heads and falcon heads—ones typically designed to preserve the organs of the deceased but are here simply for ceremony. At at the very back of the chamber is statue of the sun composed entirely of pure gold. Symbiotically, it watches over the dead for all of eternity, functioning as a light to guide the spirit pass Anubis' trial to the sea of life and the Elysian Fields.
The sun is the utmost important symbol of Thebes and is a major component of every culture within every kingdom of Egypt. Thebes is, after all, described by many as the "Empire of the Sun" and recognizes the god Ra as the most important deity. "I'll only be a few minutes." Amen tells Nebet before he enters the chamber and approaches the sarcophagus. What is he supposed to do exactly? Consult the late pharaoh? Amen looks down at the sarcophagus with a halfhearted smile. "You couldn't let me have my revenge, could you? Dying before I could confront you. And then you make me a pharaoh? Is this some kind of sick joke? Damn you..." Amen's halfhearted smile turns to gritted teeth and he balls his hands into fists. "You have no right to ask this of me. Not after what you did to me and my mother." Amen sighs and relaxes himself. "But... I'll do it. I'll be Thebes' pharaoh. And I'll become a better one than you, that's for sure. So, keep watching. After all, you're everywhere now right? You're part of the same sea that flows all around."
A few minutes later, Amen exits the chamber and rejoins Nebet. "I've said what I came to say. Let's head back." On the way back, Amen pays close attention to Nebet. Out of his council, she is the most reserved. She doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve like Zamonth and Satiah. She isn't as earnest as Qar nor blatantly scheming as Aperel. When she talks, she sounds like she's speaking her mind but there is a degree of authenticity that is lacking. But perhaps Amen is overthinking things. They've just met so Nebet isn't going to show her true nature so soon. Sill... "Hey Nebet, I hope you know that you can speak freely around me. Just because I'm the Pharaoh, it doesn't mean that you have to dance around any words. Just tell me like it is." Amen tells her.
As soon as the pair exit the necropolis, a knife comes flying pass Amen, cutting just the skin of his cheek and drawing a bit of blood. "What the-"
"I missed. I don't usually miss." A voice emanates from a shadowy part of the hall.
"Who's there?!" Amen shouts out. Then he notices the bodies of priests and priestesses strewn about.
"Wipe the shock from your face, they aren't dead. Simply unconscious on account of the spell that was placed on them. Interestingly enough, it seems you two aren't affected. Ahh, I see it. The essence that flows around you. It's warding off the spell of its own accord. Only those with an affinity for essence has had this happened. It matters little in the end. This'll only be a bit messier than I had intended." A figure leaps from behind a pillar with blazing speed and attempts to attack Amen. However, Amen takes his scepter and swipes it horizontally, creating a strong gust of wind that knocks the figure back. He lands onto one knee and looks at Amen and Nebet. One of his eyes glow a golden color. "A Magician? How bothersome..." The assailant seems displeased.
"What? You thought you could kill me so easily? I'm offended by the mere thought. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Fitting that a necropolis is right here cause I might just send you to an early grave." Amen smiles confidently.
The assailant's eyes widened. You!"
"Heh, know who I am, do you? That's right, I'm the great and powerful Amenho-"
"Lady Nebet!"
"Eh?"
The assailant removes the veil that covers his face to show Nebet who he is. "It's me, Yunre! After all this time... I never thought I'd see you alive again."
"Hey, you just tried to kill me! The least you can do is not ignore me!"
"It's no wonder that the essence that surrounds you look so familiar. My Eye of Horus doesn't show me false things. Besides, I could never forget the essence of the woman that saved my life." An eerie smile creeps across Yunre's face as his golden eye shines even more brilliantly.
~Elsewhere~
While Satiah wanders the street by her lonesome, Zamonth and Qar are nearby enjoying some food and a conversation. But the festivities are soon to end as an injured guard struggled his way to Satiah. Meanwhile, a food vendor approaches Zamonth and Qar. He begins asking them if they're enjoying their meal. "S-Satiah!" The injured guard musters the last of his strength to call out Satiah's name before he collapses onto the dirt floor. The citizens in the area scatter to the side as he falls dead. Zamonth and Qar would probably take notice of the event as well. A deep stab wound is present on the guard's back. Satiah would most likely recognize him as part of a patrol group doing their rounds across the city tonight. With Zamonth and Qar distracted for a brief moment, the food vendor that approached them unsheathes a blade and attempts to strike Zamonth from behind. In the distance, masked individuals begin to appear amongst the crowd.
... How do you 'lose' a Wii U? It's not exactly portable!
He moved and he's not exactly the most organized person. He mostly left it to collect dust when it was in his care. But whatever, at least he gave me half of the money for the Switch.
Anyways, I've posted. @Rune_Alchemist You'll be leading Amen to Thutmose's tomb. Everyone else can have their character enjoying the festival until the next round.
After delivering his address to the people of Thebes, Amen pays a visit to the necropolis under Iaret's behest. There, he and Nebet meet an assassin with a remarkable power. Meanwhile, Qar, Zamonth, and Satiah encounter the forty masked men.
Sitting cross-legged and alone in a small corridor leading to a balcony overlooking the palace's main courtyard, Amen methodically breaths in and out while silently praying to Egypt's many gods. He often does so when he feels nervous, which is rare. However, public speaking isn't something he has much experience in nor is he comfortable with. But as the Pharaoh, he will be expected to address the citizens of his kingdom from time to time; it's best to get used to it now. He can hear the indistinct sea of voices emanating from outside. The people have waited long enough to meet their new Pharaoh. So, with all the courage he can muster, he stands up and walks out of the corridor and into the balcony. As he expected, his first sight is the massive crowd, probably numbering in the thousands and that's only the people that will fit into the equally massive palace courtyard.
Two servants standing near Amen blow their horns to quiet the crowd so that Amen may address the people. The silence is near immediate, catching Amen off guard a bit. But now is not the time to panic so Amen walks forward with scepter in hand. The Ankh scepter, which he received after he left the study, is part of Thutmose's royal arms collection which Amen has now inherited. "Citizens of the city and kingdom of Thebes! My name is Amenhotep, son of the Pharaoh Thutmose, and your new Pharaoh! By the divine blessings of the god Amun and all the gods that watches over the vast lands of Egypt, I, Pharaoh Amenhotep, pledge to you all a just and honorable rule like my father before me and his father before him! For this is our empire of the sun, and I will ensure our sun burns brighter than ever before!" So far, they seem to be responding well to his speech. Amen continues and goes into detail about his vision for the kingdom, at least the one written by his Viziers.
The speech is masterfully crafted to simultaneously appease both the nobles and the common man. Fortunately, it manages to satiate those who are listening. By the end of the speech, the people in the courtyard responds will applause and cheer, wishing the Pharaoh a long and prosperous reign. Amen retreats back into the corridor and exhales a big sigh of relief. It's finally over. But he has no time for rest as he sees Iaret approaching him. After a short exchange, the two move to a more private area to speak. "You want me to visit the necropolis?" Amen questions.
"Yes, to pay your respects to the late Pharaoh Thutmose. It's only natural considering he is your father and, plus, it brings favor from the gods to pay tribute to the dead."
"So his body has been entombed already..."
"Well, no. His body has been delivered to its final resting place in the Valley of Kings. The tomb that is here in Thebes is merely a symbolic representation, but an important one. And as such, it is your duty to pay your respects to him. Please, Pharaoh Amen, come with me." Amen doesn't like the idea of paying his respect to Thutmose but he feels oddly compelled to listen to Iaret's wishes. She's sort of... frightening in a sense. He doesn't put any more thought into it and simply follows her around the palace. Some time later, they arrived at a temple: the same one Nebet works as a priestess for. As they enter, they see many priestesses going about their business; most are even dressed the same as Nebet. "I've other matters to attend to but I'll leave you in the care of Vizier Nebet." On their way to Nebet, Amen decides to ask Iaret a personal question, one that a lady should never be asked.
"Hey, Iaret, exactly how old are you? I mean, you're pretty young looking to have been Pharaoh Thutmose's wife."
"Hmm? Pharaoh Amen, don't you know that is not a proper question to ask a lady?"
"Uh, oh... Sorry..."
Iaret lightly chuckles. "But to answer your inquiry, I am forty-five years old."
Huh? Did Amen hear that right? "How many virgins did you sacrifice for your youthful looks?" Amen asks bluntly.
"What was that?" Iaret asks, not hearing his response.
"Uhh, never mind."
It doesn't take too much longer before the two of them find Nebet near a sacred altar of Anubis, god of the underworld who judges the souls of the dead. "Vizier Nebet. Sorry to interrupt your evening but I've another task for you. As you know, the necropolis that lies underneath the temple is essentially a giant maze. One who hasn't spent years learning of its intricacies would surely become lost. Pharaoh Amen must pay his respects to the late Pharaoh Thutmose so I'll need you to guide him to the ceremonial tomb and back. My apologies for not giving advanced notice, but tomorrow has become an unexpectedly busy day for the Pharaoh when he addresses the council of palace officials. And as this is a matter of the utmost spiritual importance, it can't be delayed for too long. So, with that, I'll leave you two to it." Iaret leaves immediately after. She seems to be in a hurry somewhere. Well, she seems to always be in a hurry somewhere.
"Sorry about all of this. Rest assured, I won't be taking too much of your time." Amen tells Nebet. After all, he really has no intention of properly paying his respects to Thutmose.
if you as so dare spoiler that game in any way, I will send my professionally trained turtles to kill you xP
Uuugh, I so want to play that game but I don't even own a Wii U or a Switch...
Well damn, I definitely don't want professionally-trained turtles coming after me so I won't say anything. Not that I can anyways. I made no progress in the story in my 4 hours of play yesterday. Spent all that time just messing around in the open world. It's gonna be Skyrim all over again...
My brother lost my Wii U which I planned to get the game on initially and I didn't have a preorder for the Switch. Ended up yesterday morning taking a 40 min drive to a Best Buy that had some in stock.
Dezuel