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Map of Osirion
Map of Wati
Pharasma's Needle
Wati…if a foreigner walked up to you on the street and asked you how would you describe Wati, how would you answer?
- The Half city
- The City that Endures
- A southern city in Osirion that sits at the confluence of the Asp and Crook rivers
- A city ravaged by Cult of Lamashtu, who unleased the Plague of Madness in 2499 AR, where more than 60 percent of the city’s population perished in the streets and in their homes, and Wati was virtually abandoned for over 450 years
- A city, a quarter of which was sealed off by clerics of Pharasma in 2953 AR, which is now known as the necropolis
- A city of six districts: Asp, Bargetown, Midwife, Morning Sun, Outer Farms, and the Veins
- A city that attracts not only explorers to the desert nation of Osirion, but also countless scholars, private collectors, and special interest groups
- A city dedicated to the industry of death, where many of its residents continue to serve the city’s funeral industry, either directly as embalmers, undertakers, and clerics of Pharasma, or indirectly by crafting the myriad grave goods all Osirians hope to carry with them into the afterlife
- A city where a lottery was recently ordered by royal decree of Pharaoh Khemet III, the Ruby Prince, opening the necropolis to tomb exploration and scholarly discovery
- A city where the punishment for thieves caught in the Sunburst Market is swift and brutal: the thief’s hand is severed, dried in salt, and then hung from the market’s Pillar of Second Thoughts as a warning to others
- A city home to Pharasma’s Needle, a monument just inside the gates to the Necropolis, where mourners interring their loved ones inside the necropolis still stop on their way to the gravesites to gain the goddess’s blessing for the deceased’s journey to the Boneyard
- Home…
Whatever your answer, the city has been buzzing the past few days after adventuring groups were assigned tombs to explore in the necropolis and the adventurers lucky enough to survive have found numerous relics and items of lore. The Grand Mausoleum of Pharasma has entered into an arrangement with the Canny Jackal, a prestigious auction house and art gallery located at the western edge of the Sunburst Market, to hold an auction where private collectors and other interested parties can bid on items recently brought out of the necropolis.
The Half City was the perfect moniker for Wati - a city that was half alive and half dead where most residents, including himself, profited from the tomb industry. Quite macabre if you actually think about it. As Devon looked around the gathering room at the Canny Jackal, right now he would prefer the confines of a dusty trap-ridden tomb to having to spend a night in the company of Wati’s rich and elite. How boring! But he was on a job protecting some half-drow bookworm so Devon looked around for any threats, his hands firmly cradling his darkwood heavy crossbow. His eyes scanned the crowd as his charge babbled with some noble about the veracity of some scroll. Yes, it was going to be a long night indeed.
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Professor Thorne is excited that the auction day has finally arrived. Rushing to get to the Canny Jackal he nearly forgets to bring along his man-at-arms Devon Shadowsong. Fortunately the half-elf was already at the location when he arrived, and they quickly greet each other, "Ahh, there you are young man. Thank you for your punctuality. Stay alert but try and not intimidate the scholars and collectors in the room."
With that he storms into the room, greeting the other guests already there. He makes special efforts to shake hands and mingle with all, despite their aloof and cold treatment, Hmmm, my father's blood still causing prejudice and scorn. I thought that maybe here in Osirion I would get away from such behaviors...
Undeterred he begins inspecting the relics and artifacts, but as soon as Ptemenib, of the Church of Pharasma arrives, he beelines towards him to thank the cleric for his invitation.
"Good day Ptemenib. Thank you for your most gracious invitation. I have been awaiting most anxiously this day and I am indebted to you for allowing me the chance to see these fantastic relics first hand."
Tonight, the Canny Jackal hosts many of Wati’s richest collectors and historians, from local nobles to representatives from An, Tephu, and even Sothis. Expensive rugs have been laid out and sticks of incense have been lit. Lanterns with continual light spells hang throughout the reception area that you find yourselves in. To those familiar with local customs, you are aware that auctions traditionally begin an hour after sunset, with a complimentary reception beforehand for the attendees to mingle with one another and enjoy refreshments. Servants carrying trays of appetizers pass by you, offering you delicious cheese-stuffed figs, hard-boiled peacock eggs, and onion bread, with promises of onion-stuffed squid, spiced wine, and a sampling of 2,000-year-old honey recovered from one of the tombs for the main course. The food is absolutely delicious, your drinks are refilled, and it is clear no expense has been spared for this event.
You see several key figures casually stroll into the auction house:
An older human woman, likely in her 60s, walks with the grace of a fine upbringing with her retinue of servants. She is sampling all of the food delights and looks anxious for the auction to beging.
Two clerics of Abadar (male and female) are discussing the cost-benefit analysis of the cost of tomb exploring versus the treasures found.
A band of four human adventurers, each wearing an insignia of a lantern, gather in the corner of the room. You can clearly see receipts of lots in their possession, so it is clear they have items up for auction.
A young enthusiastic human in his early 20s, clearly of wealth, walks around eyeing the beautiful women in the room and trying to impress them with his wealth.
You also see a female representative from Sothis, an armorsmith, two university professors, and a pair of elderly female aristocrats, all human, among the guests.
Finally, you see in the corner the a priest of Pharasma, whom you identify as Ptemenib (Pic). He seems to keep separate from the crowd and almost appears to be talking and chuckling to himself.
He straightens up as Professor Thorne approaches him. He smiles at the two half-elves, one more friendly than the other. "Good evening, professor. I hope our event today is to your intellectual satisfaction. I've heard from our scribes that some very interesting relics were uncovered from the necropolis. Perhaps, the Pharoah was wise to allow foreigners to explore the necropolis, though I still consider it tomb robbing. Thankfully, we were able to discipline some groups who violated Pharasma's rules. If you would excuse me, there are some priests of Abadar, who I have not seen in quite a long time. Please enjoy, eat, and drink up." With that, Ptemenib leaves you be.
The tall young human woman in the blue and gold robes of Sarenrae cut quite an impression. As she entered the room, her dark hair and skin were juxtaposed against her gleaming gold sword slung across her back. Her eyes darted around the room, looking for any signs of abnormal behavior. As she glanced across the room, her left hand stroked her hold sumbol, worn from a chain at her neck.
She absentmindedly popped one of the figs in her mouth. She chose not to interrupt the head cleric, as he was flitting from person to person, clearly in charge of the room. She would give her thanks later. She admired Pharasma's dedication to putting undead to their final rest, so she expected to fit in very well.
She took a potion against a nearby wall, protecting herself from whatever unseen threat could present itself, no matter how unlikely. She nodded at the others if approached for discussion.
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Professor Thorne will mingle with the various guests. First will introduce himself to the two university professors inquiring their fields of study, if they are locals or from visitors from foreign institutions, etc.
Then:
After that will do the same with the four adventurers wearing the lantern insignias. He will ask them what the meaning of the lantern, what tombs did they explore, if they are locals or foreigners, etc.
Then:
Devon smiles at the priest of Pharasma as he excuses himself. Not wanting to crowd the Professor, he lets him go mingle, while he goes looking for some food. He keeps an eye on his charge, while he gorges himself on some dates and figs. He nods at the dark-haired beauty in the blue and gold robes, leaning against the wall and toasts her with his drink from a distance.
Sefanit is meticulously prepared for the auction at the Canny Jackal. A couple of days prior to the event she spends some time in the evening out around the Midwife and Morning Sun districts to get a better idea of what the people she expects to attend will be wearing. She memorizes the details of a couple of dresses she likes the best and seem most suitable.
Finding out the event would be an Event worries her some. Her purse is light for bidding against wealthy buyers. On the other hand, such buyers are often looking for flashy, status-enhancing items. Those can be of historical value, but often they are less interesting than the boxes of papyrus containing mundane records. It's possible she might get lucky and find few bidders for the items she would be most interested in.
Sefanit arrives as early as possible for the auction, making sure she is one of the first people inside. If she is going to be outbid on items or lots, she wants to be sure she does not lose track of them. She carries some paper and a couple of charcoal pencils for making notes. Her plan is simple. Meet everyone attending, at least if they are there as buyers. Get their names at least, and hopefully some idea of their interests, and make a list.
Step two is inspecting the items up for sale. She will begin to do this as soon as they are available for viewing. A second list will record those items she would like to purchase, and roughly her bidding limit for them.
Step three is to make a record matching any items she does not win with the name of the winner. There are often second chances. In the heat of competitive bidding, people often lose sight of how much they want an item simply to come out on top. Sometimes the shine fades after an item has been around the house for a while. Approaching the winner to purchase the item at some later time can often work.
Sefanit does her makeup just so and puts on a rather plain but comfortable dress. Then, with her sleeves in place, she glamors the dress into the one she's decied to use as her model. Something that will blend well with the crowd there, but nothing ostentacious. She doesn't want to present as too wealthy, or give impression of lacking seriousness. Both can drive up prices if buying directly from a seller.
Once inside she waits for others to arrive. This is the hardest part in a way. Socializing here as a stranger will take a lot of work. She decides to begin with Ptemenib, since he will be there at the start, and she needs to thanks him for including her here.
After him, Sefanit follows a strategy of working down the apparent social food-chain. Not being sure of how it should work, and wanting to avoid the perception of snubbing important people in favor of their inferiors, she begins with anyone who brought servants, the more the earlier. After that group will come those who seem to have some official office or capacity. Then she will go with people like herself. Lastly those who are working or dodgy-looking, like that groups of avdventurers.
With nothing else happening until the auction began, Lilia toasted in return to the crossbow man. The Phasmaraan still seems busy, so she walked across the room and engaged the ‘toast-er’ as it were. ”This doesn’t seem like your normal hangout, either. I’m Lilia, here to represent the church of the Dawnflower. What brings you to such an auction? You a lover of history?”
With nothing else happening until the auction began, Lilia toasted in return to the crossbow man. The Phasmaraan still seems busy, so she walked across the room and engaged the ‘toast-er’ as it were. ”This doesn’t seem like your normal hangout, either. I’m Lilia, here to represent the church of the Dawnflower. What brings you to such an auction? You a lover of history?”
Devon smiles, "I'm Devon, a true pleasure, Lilia, thank you for saving me from the monotony of this night...a lover of history? Hardly! I live in the present and for the future. See that tall lanky fella over there with the goatee?" Devon point to Professor Thorne. "Yeah, I'm being paid to watch his back tonight. Not a great living but it puts food on the table. By the way, have you tasted the cheese-stuffed figs? Delicious!" Devon stuffs one in his mouth, as he offers the paladin another. "And you, dear? You purchasing some relics tonight on behalf of the church?"
”Depends on the relic. My job is to make sure none of these fools buy dark magical items and then get in over their heads with curses, demons and undead that follow suit. I’ll try to bid for any that I recognize. If I can’t afford it, I’ve not quite figured out that part yet. I suppose I’ll have to improvise” she suggests.
”What is your boss’s story anyway? Must be pretty important to have his own bodyguard.”
"Great plan..." Devon smiles at the paladin. "Oh him...I know he's a Professor of some sorts. At least, that's what he calls himself, Professor Thorne. Funny, I don't know his first name. As long as I get my gold, it doesn't really matter to me, right?"
An hour passes during the reception as the guests converse and eat the delicious delicacies. During that time, Professor Thorne mingles with several of the guests and learns the following:
The professors are definitely not local and are from the University of Lepidstadt and were intrigued by the unveiling of relics and traveled a large distance to get an up close look.
The group of adventurers are locals and known as the Four Lanterns and they're hoping that the relics they uncovered will get them some hefty gold tonight. They explored the Sanctum of the Erudite Eye and were set upon by another group of adventurers known as the Scorched Hand but they were able to fight them off and kill them. They're lucky to be alive, they tell you.
Sefanit's local knowledge, amplified by her headband, allows her to reconize Baketra (older woman in her 60s), a famous Wati gourmet, who loves to taste new delicacies; Khammayid Okhenti, the playboy, who is the young scion of the noble Okhenti family, newly returned from his studies in Oppara; and Menya the Whip, a rail-thin ambitious young armorsmith.
As the Professor and Sefanit mingle with the crowd, you hear the following lines of conversation come up:
“Rather nice to see the Pharasmins on board with this auction. At least we’ll know these relics are real. You can’t trust the veracity of just anything up for sale, no matter how old it looks. A group calling themselves the Silver Chain took me for a fortune on a ‘Second Age’ chest last year. It looked ancient enough, but it turned out the damned thing had only survived a house fire in An.”
“It’s absolutely dreadful the way the church is opening our history to so many foreigners. I hear Haty-a Oshep Kahmed is going to increase taxes on travelers from beyond the sister cities to recoup the cultural damage.”
“Some of the adventurers who went into the necropolis didn’t fare so well, from what I hear. They say the Sunrise Fellows were betrayed by one of their own, and some shady lowlifes ambushed the Scorched Hand while they were trying to leave the necropolis.”
In fact, as the time passes, a charming, handsome, and rich young man in his early 20s, whom Lilia has been seen making the rounds with the women in the room, approaches her and bows. "Khammayid Okhenti, at your disposal, my queen. I must be honest. I believe you're the most beautiful woman in the room and you're spending way too much time with this plain half-elf, when you could be spending time with me...or in my arms if you prefer." He has a devilish smile and is wearing a very expensive silk noble outfit adorned with jewels.
Lilia was used to being approached rather abruptly. "Pleasure to meet you, Khammayid. I appreciate the compliment, but for the time being, I'm happy here. Perhaps later we can share a drink, depending on how this auction goes. I wouldn't suppose you have any insider knowledge items up for bid this evening, do you?"
After her initial couple of rounds through the gathering Sefanit has some handle on the local attendees, but that leaves several obvious foreigners to see about. There's also the Sarenite woman, very striking, something about her one doesn't forget, but she has attracted a coterie of men around her, of course, and Sefanit doesn't want to try to barge into that.
She chooses the two Avistani men who are sticking together and walks over to them.
"Good evening gentlemen. Am I correct that you have traveled a long way indeed for this event? What interest brings you so far?"
Khammayid smiles, showing of his white teeth, "I'd love to share a drink with you, my lady, and I can wait for one of your natural charisma. No, I do not know what items are being unveiled tonight. I myself am looking forward to acquiring some beautiful and expensive weapons for my collection, the more expensive the better. Would you not agree the costlier something is, the more it is worth acquiring?"
The two professors smile at Sefanit, their pale complexion easily marking them as foreigners in this exotic land. One of them, the elder of the pair, introduces himself as Professor Lugo, addresses her, "Yes, dear, we have traveled a long journey. We are fascinated with works of history. Not to sound too macabre, but we love researching any lore that deals with death or the undead nature of the world. Such knowledge is valuable in Ustalav, as you can imagine. I hope we are not disappointed."
Sefanit smiles in return. "No, not too macabre. The dead are present among us far more commonly than most realize. It is... sensible that you are here."
"I am Sefanit Batinayad, here from Manaket. The types of things you are looking for arouse much interest, and so, unfortunately many forgeries. I have heard complaints about people being duped, not here but in Wati. Take care and don't make purchases you cannot verify. Do either of you read Ancient Osiriani? If not feel free to call on me, I do. Excellent forgeries will be correct in their use of hieroglyphs, but only the very best among those will avoid mistakes in grammar."
Professor Lugo chuckles, "Thank you for your services, Sefanit, but I teach a Linguistics course at the University. You would do well to take it, if you're in my neighborhood one day. I'll save you a seat."
Professor Lugo's dig at Sefanit doesn't go unnoticed by her.
What is it this time, my age or sex sticking in his craw? Well, if he wants a competition in puffery...
"Ah! So do I. What a coincidence! Well, not strictly linguistics, but ancient languages, Ancient Osiriani, Jistka, Tekritanin, and, Sefanit sighs, if there were enough interest in Shory, it would probably fall to me as well."
Sefanit nods her head at the men. "Thank you for your offer Professor Lugo, if I'm ever in Lepidstadt I will certainly take you up on it. If you're ever in Manaket, I extend the same offer to you. I wish you the best of luck in your ventures here."
Sefanit then moves off to talk with the tall man with the unusual bow.
"Probably someone's mercenary...
Khammayid smiles, showing of his white teeth, "I'd love to share a drink with you, my lady, and I can wait for one of your natural charisma. No, I do not know what items are being unveiled tonight. I myself am looking forward to acquiring some beautiful and expensive weapons for my collection, the more expensive the better. Would you not agree the costlier something is, the more it is worth acquiring?"
”Much of the time that is true, but not always, Khammayid. There are certain times and circumstances when a handful of rice will do you better than a whole roast pheasant. That’s not always the case, of course, but you shouldn’t be rigid thinking that the most expensive is always the best, without question.”
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The Professor continues mingling through the crowd, and makes note of the conversations he overhears and is involved in. He is intrigued by the Four Lanterns and their tales of defeating the Scorched Hand, while others in the room seem to believe the Scorched Hand were set upon by lowlifes. I will need to be very careful during my explorations... Looks like there are a number of thieves and backstabbers in the city.
He was not too impressed by the academics from the University of Lepidstadt, so he moves on, just then noticing that his man-at-arms has gotten distracted by a stunning young woman... A pretty face and immediately he looses focus. Not making a great first impression Devon.
He walks over to the young man ready to chastise him, when the local bravo interrupts the pair, and he overhears the man's crude attempts at seducing the priestess(?) of Sarenrae.
Chuckling he steps up to Devon, "Devon stay sharp, young man. I hear the Four Lanterns may not be the heroic explorers they claim to be, and we are probably in a den of thieves."
Sefanit sees that the tall man with the bow has also now been sucked into the beautiful Sarenite's orbit before she can make it to him. She doesn't want to try to insert herself into that gaggle, so she diverts to have a bit of the food instead.
Chuckling he steps up to Devon, "Devon stay sharp, young man. I hear the Four Lanterns may not be the heroic explorers they claim to be, and we are probably in a den of thieves."
"Calm down, old man, I am watching you. My crossbow can cover you from 80' away, so I don't need to be glued to your side. Besides, the worst thing that will happen to you in this crowd is a paper cut from some worn out scroll. The Four Lanterns...oooh, so scary. Bah, I am sure they want what all adventurers want: gold, liquor, and easy women. No threats in this soiree." Devon looks very confident in his words.
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Thorne frowns in anger, offended by the younger half-elf's dismissal of his warning and disrespectful attitude, "Well better keep your eyes on my back, and not on ladies' behinds."
He moves away, subconsciously straightening his hair and brushing off his clothing, OLD MAN! What a reckless young fool. Hope he does not get me killed... Thankfully I am not paying him much!
He glides over to the food trays and tries some of the delicacies, introducing himself to the lady wearing the simple but elegant gown. She seems serious and business-like, here to buy... Hmm, probably an agent buying on behalf of an anonymous collector.
"Good evening Mademoiselle. I am Professor Augustus Thorne, archaeologist and historian. What brings you to this event? Collector? Academic?"
”Much of the time that is true, but not always, Khammayid. There are certain times and circumstances when a handful of rice will do you better than a whole roast pheasant. That’s not always the case, of course, but you shouldn’t be rigid thinking that the most expensive is always the best, without question.”
Khammayid laughs boisterously and people in the room notice, "Surely, you jest, my queen. There's never been a time in recorded history where it was better to be poor than rich. Gold leads to power and the accumulation of more gold. It's that simple. You have such a vivid imagination. I find you to be....what is the word? Adorable, yes, that you are." The noble winks at the paladin.
"Man, Professor, you really need to find some companionship and soon. You're too stressed out. You'll get what you paid for...trust me, I am a professional, no worries."
Devon chuckles to Lilia after the noble's comment, "Yes, you found yourself quite a charmer there, Lilia. Hope you two will be very happy together. I'm going to get more food." Devon leaves the pair alone to get more figs.
Lilia took a deep sigh. She didn't want to create a scene. She was here to do her job for the church, and not attract extra attention. "I'm sure I'll find you later, Kammayid. I suspect you'll have purchased the most flamboyant item there is in this whole place.". She excused herself to powder her nose. As soon as she got out man's eyesight, she stopped and took a cool drink, maintaining her composure.
Thorne catches Sefanit by surprise. She chews and swallows quickly, then greets him with a slightly embarrassed, lopsided smile.
"Hello, nice to meet you Professor Augustus Thorne. I'm Sefanit Batinayad. Academic, I'm a historian. And yourself? What brings you here?"
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He smiles charmingly at Sefanit, ”I was lucky enough to get an invitation from the Church of Pharasma through my colleague Ptemenib. I am hopeful we’ll get a chance to examine the relics and artifacts, maybe even purchase something. However what I am really looking forward to is getting to explore the Necropolis myself. I imagine if this auction goes well the Pharoah will allow more expeditions.”
The gleam of excitement is clearly in his eyes as he speaks, ”Are you from Wati?”
"No, Radahoum. Manaket specifically. I'm just recently arrived. With the necropolis here sealed off for so long, it's an incredible chance to find complete document caches. Much of the time when they are found, pages are sold off individually as tourist curios for coppers. I'm hoping to buy collections intact, while they are most useful."
Sefanit glances past the Professor at the Sarenite woman. "The woman over there, the Saranite, seems to be creating a bit of a stir here. I saw you were over there too. What is her story?"
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Thorne shrugs, "I didn't get to talk to her. I was chastising my man-at-arms Devon. He is here to keep an eye open for thieves and scam artist. Not chit-chat." He frowns noticing Devon is still conversing with the priestess of Sarenrae.
He nods at Sefanit, "Well I have only visited Wati, but hope to see more of this beautiful country. I agree, the opening of the Necroplis is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We need to seize the day!"
He returns to gazing at the various collectors and treasure hunters, looking to hear more gossip or potential leads for new archaeological explorations.
"Oh, so he's yours. You chose well no doubt. Very brave and loyal of him to protect you so. Those cheekbones of hers could slice a man wide open."
Sefanit picks up a cluster of grapes to nibble on.
"You never mentioned where you're from."
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With a strained grin, Thorne responds,
"Yes my mistake in not vetting him more thoroughly and getting references. At least I am not paying him much!"
He continues chatting with Sefanit, "Well I am from Absalom. Born and raised. I have spent many years in that fine City, and only the last few years visiting different lands, from the Mwangi jungles, to Qadira, and now Osirion."
A few minutes later, servants start ringing small little bells, alerting the guests that the auction is about to begin. You are all led into a private hall where chairs and tables have been set up for you to sit and dine, while the auction takes place. The doors to the hall are then closed to allow the guests inside privacy. The promised squid and fruit begin to be served, as the lots of items discovered in the necropolis begin to be brought out as well for the guests' examination, while a moderator describes the urns, books, scrolls, weapons, and other treasures on display at the auction. You take your seats and notice that is indeed a private affair, as besides the four of your, there are only about 2 dozen attendees and only a few have the resources to bid at the auction.
Devon sits alongside his charge, the Professor, to make sure no one pickpockets him and keeps an eye on the exits. He doesn't like being bottled up in one area.
Sefanit is troubled by the setup for the auction. She asks whoever seems to be running the event if there will be any opportunities to directly evaluate the items present for auction.
"After all, I am interested in texts that may have historical significance, and that is something that depends on the content of the text, not the mere fact it exists here for sale" she explains.
As the auction progresses, Ptemenib smiles at the party and apologizes and politely excuses himself, claiming he has important church business to attend to, tells you to remain and enjoy the auction, and leaves. Sefanit and the Professor have luck and find objects to their heart's desire: a pristine set of accounting records and some birth records. The bidding is competitive but the two adventurers win the items. Meanwhile, the auction continues with the more lucrative items up for sale, and Khammayid at the end of the night wins a bid of 4500 gp for an arcane khopesh recovered in one of the tombs.
Eventually, the auction winds down after two hours and accounts have to be settled. As the party slows down and the party waits in line to pay, suddenly there is a frantic pounding at the three northern doors. Two servants move to open them, when they suddenly collapse, reduced to splinters, and a horde of zombies shamble in, hungry for the blood of the living! The crowd of onlookers screams in horror! The two servants are injured by the shards of wood and collapse to the ground unconscious.
Well, that's certainly a unique way to liven up an otherwise dull night... Devon, heavy crossbow in hand, instinctively loads a quarrel and quickly fires at the lead zombie in the center door and then loads another one and impossibly reloads the crossbow and fires again at the lead zombie at the eastern door!
He then steps back 5'. "Professor, stay behind me. I'll keep you safe! Lilia, get back here or you'll be overwhelmed. Damn, she's too slow. Everyone move to the southern doors!"
The half-elf is actually quite good with his crossbow, as his first two shots hit each zombie in the eye and two zombies collapse to the floor, never to move again!
Sefanit is shocked at what she sees happening. She has never seen the corporeal undead before, and they are horrible!
She makes her way to the left (west) side of the room until she gets to the aisle between the center and left groups of chairs. She raises her hand and, with a word of power, releases a bright white ray of positive energy straight down the aisle at the lead zombie.
Round 1: Zombie attack
Sefanit's blast of positive energy hurts the zombie but does not destroy it and the zombie partially charges her, but misses poorly!
The zombie behind it charges also and attacks one of gourmet's servants, killing him!
Two zombies charge in and attack Lilia!
The other 2 zombies just move into the room to attack next round, as they crave death and destruction.
Quick as a snap, Lilia draws her impressive falchion and swings it with all her might at one of the zombies.
Power attack
Damage
"Nice shot, Lilia...stay alive!" Realizing he has 2 foes in melee range, Devon steps 5' to the east, and quickly reloads and pumps 2 quarrels into the closest zombie(s)!
Lilia decapitates the zombie to her right with her falchion, while Devon pumps 2 more bolts into a zombie, destroying it, but not before receiving a punishing blow that cracks some ribs!
Sefanit backs away from the zombie that charged her and releases another ray of positive energy at it.