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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 19, 2016 17:56:02 GMT 8
Round 3
Focusing her attention on the mountain of beard, Zarmina lashes out with her good right arm. Her left arm looking like it's going to fall off any time. Her attempts at striking the dwarf is feeble which Thorkam blocked easily with his massive shield.
White eyed the mummy with determination and shouts "By the might of Abadar, I will smite thee. Return back to thy rest eternal!" He aimed his mischief at her at fired!
The aim was true and he's sure the bullet will drill through what ever defense she have.
And drill through it does, as the bullet, blessed with the might of Abadar thuds into her body. She screams like never before, as such holy/unholy fire burns her. "Cursed dwarvessss... You should NOT be here! I'll scour this earth of your foul presence!"
Thorkam swings around, pummeling Zarmina with wild abandon!
Zarmina spits black ichor... "Dwarvesss... Evil, evil, stunted things! How wretched you are..." You can almost perceptibly feels its immense hatred for you.
Al-Asahari spits out another frost ray & unfortunately, the shot flies far off...
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 19, 2016 18:05:19 GMT 8
Round 4!
With Jake bleeding out soon, will be perish or will the party take the former princess out in time?
After the slam, White decides to take the safe route and waited to see if the others would connect their strike. He's still a merchant at heart, and every poke of his wand is expensive. He rather be healing with his gold than waste his healing to kill a mummy.
Al switches to his crossbow, firing bolts that was instead but the chaotic melee between Zarmina & Thorkam causes him to miss, for fear of hitting his comrade.
Thorkam swing hard to end this undying misery & with her limp left arm, she used the arm to deflect the blow, for feeling no pain, she can use her body to stop the devastating attack the Pathfinders have on her body.
White saw the other two attacked and he joined in. He poked his wand at the mummy & he stabbed it hard into the mummy! Abadar answered Seven's call as the positive energy from within the wand flared brightly and as it touches Zarmina, she cried in unholy anguish... "NOOOOOO!!!!" as her flesh starts sizzling & the stench of burnt flesh assails your senses as she finally collapses in a smouldering pile.
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 19, 2016 18:13:43 GMT 8
Seven also poked the wand filled with the zombie gunk at Pake and reloaded his musket before reading the scroll.
After healing up from this difficult fight with the mummy, Aaqir al'Hakam comes back into the temple.
"You have my thanks. I was right to recruit such skilled combatants into the Exchange. I was initially hesitant to accept Guaril Karela's offer to merge but I now have no regrets. Regardless, I hope these items might be of use to you", as he hands you three scrolls.
They are a scroll of cure moderate wounds, a scroll of endure elements and a scroll of see invisibility.
White looked at the scroll of cure moderate wounds and at his fallen comrade. "Thank you for your compliments, but let me help my fallen companion." White opened the scroll and read it, targeting it on Jake the fallen.
Aaqir requests for the guests to return to their rooms and secure the rooms as he tries to make sense of what is going on. Turning to you, he signals to you. "My fellow members, due to your excellent work, can I request that you check out the entire manor for any other suspicious activity? If required, or if there are any suspects who is responsible for this, feel free to approach me. I would be more than willing to give you any assistance I could."
Pake Jake gradually comes to, realizing he was lying in a pool of his sticky blood and a burning astench in the air. He staggered to his feet, then realised he wasnt that weak as he scooped up the heavy flail without much problems. "Wow... thank you all. I must have been oit a long time." He gauged, since he didnt feel fatigued either "i trust none of our Lord Prince's guests have been affected negatively?"
Pake Jake just took a wild guess - "where was the body laid before being placed here, o Lord Prince?"
(Aaqir) "My family is thankfully safe & so are the guests. I am sure they must be very glad of your presence here in enhancing the security of the manor. They might be a little scared, but I do not really blame them for such an incident shook me a little too."
(Aaqir) "The body was originally laid beneath the sun as a homage to Sarenrae, behind the gardens. What are you suspecting?"
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 19, 2016 21:58:10 GMT 8
Pake Jake looks relieved "Ah, that is welcome news. Especially your good daughter Nur Helmi, she helped get the servant to open the windows to give our guests better circulation. I believe one Lord Jakti requested especially for such." He looks uncertain then adds "Ah, with all due rrspect to Sarenrae, perhaps we might examine the area? Ideally with the assistance of an accomplished cleric, perhaps the good Umut might be of some great aid? If your Lord Prince thinks it suitable that we might trouble your esteemed guest. I'm sure the Trade Princess herself would want her chosen one to identify who dared desecrate her rest so."
Looking thoughtful, Aaqir turned towards Jake, his long robes swaying a little as he turns. "Very well, I will consult Umut & see what expertise she can provide. Until then, go ahead and conduct a sweep of the manor & return here when you are done. I should have her answer by then. Right now, she is tending to some of the distraught guests." With those words, his sandaled feet carries him out the door to the guest chambers in the East Wing.
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 21, 2016 10:37:12 GMT 8
Pake Jake bows "Thank you o' Lord Prince" he looks at Seven and Al-asahari, remembering he owes his life to them. Now racking his mind to think what might help them, hopefully his profession as a sailor and much time out at sea might offer some guidance too. (And the wayfinder!!)
White sighed as he felt extremely hot and tired. He looked at the scroll of endure elements and felt tempted to use it on himself, but he did noticed Al-asahari seemed to be suffering from the heat too. He sighed and think of other ways to recover from this blasted heat within himself.
And since Pake thanked him and asked for guidance, White took his wayfinder and ask his god to guide Pake and himeself.
White can't think of anything and asked around. "Anyone knows anything about healing from this blasted heat-tiredness from the zom... Late Princess? Can't think straight to do anything else"
Pake Jake shared that recovering from heat stroke requires resting in shaded areas, quenching thirst, endure elements, create water and recovering of the fatigue caused by the heat. Only then might they recover.
Pake Jake takes a peek at Zarmina, to see if the creature she had become was now seared flesh or had been reduced to ashes.
It's a steaming body which the servants are figuring out how to put her back into the coffin respectfully.
White looks around for any pitchers of water or any oasis where he could have his fill of cooling watter and maybe a quick dip & spies many servants scurrying about, trying to clean up the mess.
White stopped one of the servants.
(Servant) "Yes, good sir? How can I help?" His eyes are kept low as he talks to White.
(White) "Excuse me neighbour. Can you direct me to any nearby oasis or bathhouse.. Or otherwise, the kitchen or a well where I can get some water or juices.. Lots of it"
(Servant) "We do have a bath house within the manor itself, sir. If you do not mind, can I show you to it?"
White turns to Al-asahari. "Maybe you would like to follow me as well. It should be good for the heat"
"And of course, anyone else who wish to join us. A little bath after this hot workout would be great if we were to meet the trade prince again"
Pake Jake decides to join in. his dried blood was still all over him. besides, the encounter with Zarmina reminded him of his own mortality. good to relax a while, but not too long, still need to find out who was behind this.
Pake Jake reconsidered a little. although he was loathe to split from the rest but after a bath interval evidence could be cleared out. deciding to instead ask Thorkam to join him for a sweep of the manor especially where Zarminas body had been / passed through.
Thorkam suggest to Pake Jake that it might be better to go to the bath house to take a rest n break. Thorkam himself dont mind going as well, and maybe asking the Pope along..
Other wise, Thorkam and PJ will go investigate the steaming fis..Princess.. and the coffin.. See if there is any unusual marking or signs that worth noting.. "Let go PJ, Let go see if there is anything unusual! "
Pake Jake joins Thorkam in checking out the coffin.
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The duo, Jake & Thorkam are looking around the coffin & at the bottom of the coffin, rests Zarmina's burial shroud. There seems to be a small bulge underneath the shroud & on closer examination, it's a small bag, not larger than a coin pouch, really & it made no sound as you picked it up.
The servant quietly lead White (& possibly Al-asahari?) down to the first floor & into the West wing. A quick shower in which you are sufficiently hydrated, but still fatigued, White is approached by Doritannia Rafella.
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 21, 2016 14:22:00 GMT 8
Pake Jake tries to check for traps relating to the pouch. magical traps would be a concern but he was no good at that so he would try to figure out best he could. also for more physical traps like pressure plates etc. suggesting that thorkam use a polearm or something to dislodge the pouch before picking it up. not inclined to handle it unless necessary after his earlier grave condition.
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A thorough examination yields no telltale signs of a booby trap.
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 22, 2016 13:48:43 GMT 8
Thorkam take a look around the ash and coffin to see if there is any sign of rune or writing around.
Thorkam tells Jake " I'll be picking this pouch up and examine it. Stand away from me, Just in case. " As Thorkam picks the pouch up, he signals to the people around him to stay away with a hand wave, with a handkerchief he pick it up, trying to have a guess what is it inside by feeling, before opening it up gently, to take a peek what it is inside.
Seven Snowbeard was still wrapped in towel, wanting to cool himself further without the added heat of an armor when the Taldan lady suddenly appear. Seven Snowbeard purposefully pulled the towel around his shoulder, treating it like a Roman toga, sat straighter and smiled, as though as he was prepared. "My lady. As you see, they don't really have dwarf sized clothes prepared here, and I just have to make do until my armor and my own clothes dries. So... Is there anything I could help you with?" Seven Snowbeard spoke with a polished voice, used mainly when he trade the finer goods in life.
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As Thorkam picks it up, the pouch feels malleable in his hands, as though the contents within are flexible. Indeed it is, as it is a pouch full of dust. Opening the pouch up, Thorkam can almost feel his beard drying up, just by being near the dust.
Doritannia casts her eyes aside, not wanting to give unintentional signals to White. "I would like you & your companions to look at this," as she hands him a letter. The letter delivered, she walked off briskly, not expecting to see a semi-naked dwarf in the bath house.
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 23, 2016 0:30:55 GMT 8
Pake Jake raises an eyebrow as Thorkam opens the pouch. "Maybe our sorcerer Al asahari might be able to make some sense of this, or perhaps the good cleric Umut if the Trade Prince allow us to have a word with her." He looks at Thorkam. "Shall we join up with the others before heading to check out next place? Or head straight to the crypt, just the two of us with our limited knowledge of necromancy and who knows what other skullduggery?"
White nodded and accepted the letter. "Thanks. I hope all is fine with you after recent events."
The dwarf watches Doritanna walks off, grinned and starts reading the letter.
Al-Asahari snaps out of his trance. How long had he been standing here? The buzzing in his ears fade as he spies White enquiring about a bathhouse. Al-Asahari stumbles behind the dwarf, slightly disoriented but nonetheless okay.
One cooling bath later.
Al-Asahari rejoins the party fully reinvigorated. He slips into his robes quickly, sheepishly following behind the half- naked dwarf, stumbling into the range of the heat dust. "By the gods what trickery is this?"
(Thorkam) "Let's head back and see if they are done with their bath. If they are not, we will head to the crypt ourselves. Missing treasure is not what we want to find next." As Thorkam gives PJ a wink, put the pouch in his pocket, closed, and head back to the bath room with JP.
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On the way to join the other two members of the party, Pake Jake & Thorkam spies Al-asahari, looking quite comfortable, dressed in his robes. He still looks fatigued, but definitely not as bad as when it first started.
Presenting the bag of dust to Al-asahari, he quickly deduces that this dust of dryness has the ability to dry things up very quickly if sprinkled on to objects which are prone to drying. Maybe on corpses or the like...
Looking past the Keleshite sorcerer, the trio noticed White is reading a letter silently, too engrossed not to notice the party as they peered over his shoulder.
With a soft flowing script, the letter reads:
Noble Pathfinders,
Your preference for Passad’s dwarven rival has not gone unnoticed, and whether you realize it or not, it threatens any alliance you may have with Temel Passad. In a way, that makes us allies.
Eleven months ago, a caravan of expensive wine and spices I sent to Druma vanished along the Sellen River, likely poached by pirates or bandits. The loss ruined me, and only Passad’s timely intervention spared me from bankruptcy. However, he is utterly businesslike in his generosity, and I have become little more than an indentured servant to him. He has forced me to sell off my most lucrative businesses to meet his rigid piety, and every day he gains more power over me.
I am a talented accountant and businesswoman, and I wish to ally with a more reasonable patron so that I might rebuild my businesses. I can only do this if one were to purchase my debt from the Kalistocrat. Were you to speak to your patron Aaqir al’Hakam and convince him to buy my freedom, I would happily work with him in all future endeavors.
With all sincerity,
Doritannia Raffella
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 24, 2016 13:44:20 GMT 8
Thorkam look to the rest, " So what now?" As he wait for them to come to a conclusion. "Shall we head over to the crypt to check things out?" As he was mentioniong it, he gently hold the pouch out and ask, "Shall I pour some over the princess as well before we leave for the crypt? By the way, What that you are reading, White?"
Pake Jake nods. "Lets head to crypt then check out where her body was placed in the sun. As for this dust... maybe if Trade Prince allows we can ask Umut for comments. I would like to ask Jakti too but I am concerned he might be a suspect." He makes no remark about the letter. A personal note perhaps? Wondering what white would be willing to divulge.
Seven Snowbeard read the letter twice and grinned. He passes the letter to Thorkam saying. "If she accepted our offer earlier, she might have an easier time." Seven Snowbeard laughs heartily as he begins to dress up.
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At this point in time, one of Jakti's bodyguards approached the party after White has gotten dressed up. "A letter from my master to you." He bows as he hands the note to you.
It reads:
"I would appreciate your meeting me in the temple at your convenience,though try not to delay too long. Something strange is afoot.
– Jakti"
The bodyguard quickly takes his leave, & you noticed that he have his scimitar belted at his side.
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 24, 2016 19:15:41 GMT 8
Thorkam look around. " So shall we split again?" " Some looking for the crypt, and some towards Jakti?" In his heart, Thorkam doesnt like strange stuff happening at funeral. 1 is enough.. Thorkam shake his head and sigh...
"Perhaps we should meet Jakti soonest possible. assuming he is not behind this, he might be able to make sense of this hot dust." Also noting aloud that his bodyguard being armed might be due to better protect his master in case of attacks like from undead.
"Yes! Let's go!" White said as he adjust his musket. "Let's prepare for danger though. The lands seems to be tumoil today."
Without further ado, White starts walking...
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Losing sight of the bodyguard as his longer strides take him to the temple quicker, you find Jakti & the two bodyguards waiting. The servants have since cleaned up the worst of the mess from the earlier combat & Jakti is now wearing a scimitar at his side. He regards you with a smile & with a wave of his hand, his guards walked past you & stands attention outside the door, ensuring some privacy.
(Jakti) “I was uncertain if you were trustworthy enough to share this information with, but now I see that you are most competent individuals and I believe you can help."
(Jakti) “Some days ago I received information from… a trusted source… that a someone has hired several assassins in Katheer for a job this very night. This manor has one of the greatest gatherings of powerful people in the entire city, so I can only conclude that these assassins are meant to strike here. With that knowledge, I hired a few bodyguards for myself, but it would allay my fears if I to have your protection as well. Of course, you may seek to protect everyone in the manor, and I would applaud you for such commitment to righteousness! I will be satisfied if no harm comes to my person before this night is over, whatever the circumstances. Do this for me, and I would greatly consider dealing with such competent individuals in the near future.”
Just as he finishes speaking, a series of loud crashes echoes through the house, followed by screaming. Jakti’s eyes widen in alarm as he rushes to the temple’s doors only to discover that the entry hall teeming with the walking dead!
Aaqir al’Hakam emerges from one of the upstairs hallways and calls to the you to “protect the guests,” though he stresses the last word as if to imply one of the other critical guests. The breaking of glass elsewhere in the manor suggests there are far more zombies than just those in the entry hall. Unfortunately, Temel’s and Metella’s animosity toward each other led them to take rooms at opposite ends of the manor’s ground floor, and Aaqir tries to discourage you from splitting up.
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 25, 2016 1:49:44 GMT 8
From previous experience, White knew he would need a slashing weapon, a longsword or something like that, even though he did not like those weapons. Further more, he doubt he could call his god to aid him anymore for the day.
Pake Jake asks the rest.
(White) "Anyone can lend me a dagger, scimitar or sword? I be eternally grateful, and those who are safe by the weapon"
(Jake) "So who are we going to protect? Lord Jakti, can you come with us? Safety in numbers."
Pake Jake shouts out "Let's head to the west!" very loudly and looks at Trade Prince Aaqir to see if he has any response, any sign of disapproval on his preference. In any case, he had no idea where Temel's room was, though the dwarves might know.
'"Heal me! " Thorkam informed the team.. "Somehow, I forgot I am injured.." " And we shall head towards Metella, soon! " As Thorkam worries his love interest falling into any mishap..
Jakti shouts: "You go to the dwarf woman. I'll rescue Temel!" as he rushes off with his body guards.
"Who coming with me?" Thorkam ask as he took out his dagger & holding up his tower shield, and start heading towards the direction of Metella..Thinking in his heart.." My love... your Leonardo is coming! " Swing his head and let the hair wave in the air as he come running..
Pake Jake looks at Jakti "Aye Milord. thank you." He heads after Thorkam.
White looks at Thorkam and shook his head. "Friend! That would not do! You would not do!"
Seven Snowbeard took out a wand and touched it on Thorkam back. A wave of gentle lights surrounds the dwarf's wounds and they began closing. "Much better! Onwards. We have undead to kill (again) and a damsel to safe! What a way to live!"
Seven Snowbeard grinned and drew out his club. A dagger would be great, but a club would be another good option...
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With the zombies swarming you, you realise that to attempt to cut them down one by one is almost futile. You consider your options & to get to Metella quick, drastic actions looks required...
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 26, 2016 21:33:45 GMT 8
Thorkam being anxious about rescue his dream girl, attempt to bullrush off the zombie to create space! " Who block me DIE!!!!!" With much rage, he charge at them...
"ONE MORE Time! WHO block me DIE!!!!! "
As Thorkam attempt one more time to bullrush through the entire pack of them..
As he plowed through and lead the team past 2 stack of zombie, Thorkam now is breathless. He is trying to catch his breath, as he look around at his teammate, hoping they could do something about the trap ahead..
White run after Thorkam who had open the way through the swarm of zombies, but the leading dwarf suddenly stopped and he understood why. There was a trap lying in front. He tapped on his wayfinder to seek guidance from Abadar and yelled.
"Watch where I am stepping!"
(White) "On second thoughts... Anyone can disarm this trap, or I can try again after I calm my nerve." Seven says after he almost fell victim to the trap.
Pake Jake hesitates at the teeming mass of undead, but takes heart as he sees Thorkam rush thru them like how dwarves tend to thrust themselves in like armor and brute force was all that mattered... and so it seemed indeed! taking heart at Thorkams success he followed behind, treating Thorkam like the living meatshield he was. but then the proverbial leader stopped, Jake realised why. oh well, one way or another the trap had to be dealt with to save... whoever it was that got the dwarves so worked up.
al-Asahari awkwardly attempts to hop over the trap but fails to go through the simple but effective trap.
The entire party looks on as Thorkam prepares to evade the trap & hopefully dodged it as the horde of zombies slowly closes in from behind.
Thorkam looking tired.. "I cant do this.. I am still trying to catch my breathe.. "As Thorkam pant and trying to catch his breathe.. this time looking slightly irritated and impatient.. with a frown, for his failure to succeed..
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(Due to the way the scenario is written, the trap is not described, but an entire corridor filled with caltrops is not an easy feat for our brave heroes to bash through & so gingerly & cautiously, the Pathfinders made their way past the caltrop-filled corridor to finally stand before the door.)
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 28, 2016 0:17:22 GMT 8
White looked back, glad that Thorkam early rushed helped them evade much of the hoarde, even after being slowed by the silly trap. They were suddenly stopped by a door.
White looked at the door.. "Unless someone have a better plan, let's break it down!"
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The entire party threw their weight on the door, attempting to batter it down whilst the zombies are wandering about. With a little bit of effort, the party broke through the barricaded door & emerged in Metella's room.
Confronting you in the room is a tall man, swathed in the traditional long robes of Qadira, a finely crafted scimitar in his hand. With his scarf wrapped about his face, his sun-weathered face shows no sign of emotion as the blade slashes across & cut Metella on her arm. She cried out in pain as her adrenaline pumps the scimitar's poison deeper into her bloodstream.
At this very moment, you hear the sound of shattering glass as two zombies break in through the window, and their moans echoing through the chamber.
Looks like it is going to be a three way fight.
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 28, 2016 15:32:05 GMT 8
Round 1
White sees the assassin and the in coming zombies and yells "Leave that assassin to me. Guard the lady from the zombie!"Seven Snowbeard yells "Take my silver piece and get away from the good lady!" Seven's bullet hit the assassin squarely in the chest, gouging a terrible wound.
Al- Asahari dashes to the right of metella and draws his crossbow.
With a massive swing, Thorkam charges & wheels his warhammer around in an exaggerated roundhouse & smashed the assassin out of the fight.
Pake Jake sees the assassin is completely smashed and charges the zombie at the window right in front of him intending to do the same. Pake Jake charges in & swings but misses the zombie as he misjudged his weapon's reach.
The zombie which Jake missed pummeled him with a solid blow of its' limb.
The second zombie seeing brains around, lurches forward to Al-asahari, intending to munch on his brains.
Al-Asahari stumbles a little as the heavy blow knocks him backwards.
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 28, 2016 15:42:26 GMT 8
Round 2
White noticed the assassin going down and nodded. "RELOADING!" He informs his party members as he put himself in front of Metella, kicking the assassin corpse away.
"BLASTED CREATURES!" Al-Asahari yelps, taking a step backwards then he fires off his crossbow, but due to the proximity of the zombie & the ensuing chaos of melee as his companions leapt into the fight, he had some difficulty firing at the zombie & thus it flew far & wide.
Thorkam's powerful warhammer smashed into the zombie & you hear the satisfying crack of ribs, but alas, breaking of bones is not as critical as it is to living creatures.
Pake Jake sees that the zombies hit quite hard and decides to focus his efforts on bringing one down. stepping back next to Thorkam to swing at the injured zombie, while fighting defensively. Jake's cautious jab with his weapon fell short of it's target.
The zombie which dealt Jake a severe blow lumbers forward, its arms outstretched, reaching for Jake. But its feeble attempts at attacking glances off Jake's armor.
The other zombie lunges out at Seven! Seven almost dodged the blow, but mistimed his step, and the zombie clubbed the dwarf on the head, an angry bruise visible where the zombie's arm connected.
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