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As you rest with Dr. Moony he asks, "What other demons might we run into?" Standing up, you start to walk back into the ziggurat, as you rack your brain thinking about his question. "Well, Nergal had the Sebittu who were a group of seven demons he used when he went to war. Hopefully we don't run into them, though at times they were beneficial beings. Babylonian mythology included Lion-men who usually had human bodies, with lionine heads, though maybe donkey's ears and even bird's feet". You smile to yourself as you think of reliefs that had been found on many buildings with just such creatures on them. "The Persians adopted this style of decor after they invaded Mesopotamia, so it is possible that if we are to encounter more creatures, Lion-men may be the most common". Dr. Moony seems a little shaken, so you slap him on the shoulder. He continues, "But, are these Lion-men important to Nergal? Do you actually think we will see one?" Dr. Moony is upset, and you want to help him relax, but you need to be honest. "They were associated with Nergal, yes, and some say they were bringers of disease and death". Dr. Moony doesn't seem too happy to hear this, blanching at your words. You sigh, wondering how to change the subject. "Doctor, there are some reliefs down the way, why don't we stop so you can draw them?" Dr. Moony lights up and hurries down the ramp, all worries forgotten, you hope. You hang behind as the good Doctor takes out his notebook, but shortly after he begins you take a closer look at the art on the wall. It is a relief of a female, with a hairy body, head of a lioness, ears and teeth of a donkey, bird's feet and long fingers and nails. She is nursing a...pig and is that a dog? You recognize her: Lamashtu. She is another demon, believed to cause miscarriages, crib deaths, and stillbirths. NOT a pleasant creature!! You whisper her name, and suddenly the image begins to move, swaying and growing larger. Dr. Moony jumps and stares at you in disbelief. "Don't tell me she is evil too?" he nearly begs you. You now have a choice to make: should you go back, hoping the image stays on the wall, OR do you stay and try to get past? |
Audience Chamber
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