The town of Wati has probably never been busier than it has in the past few days; throngs of explorers, historians, would-be fortune-makers, and scholars of all sorts have come to this formerly wayside town in the riverside deserts of Osirion in pursuit of one hing; the opening of the Necropolis of Wati. For days now, merchants have been hawking wares at you, anything you might need and a whole lot you never will; talismans against curses! Torchbearers for hire! hello sir, you look like you could always use more rope and a ten-foot pole! In the swirl and bustle, the (often sunburned and haggard) outsiders and newcomers can only seem to discuss the lottery to be held at the town's grand Pharasmin church in a day's time, to assign sites to the eager throngs to explore.<br/><br/>Each of you though, through misfortune, poor planning, or just not knowing, have found a hitch in your plans to do the same; the Pharasmins are not allowing "solo" or even "duo' explorations; supposedly this is due to legitimate safety concerns, though you've heard some wags claiming it's so the church can keep some grip on how much wealth leaves the necropolis. The other problem, also stemming form the church, is the tithe; or as your fellows like to call it, "the cover charge.' Mindful of the fact that you will basically be elbowing into the resting place of an entire city, the Pharasmins ask that the prospective explorers at least chip in for the church, its upkeep and offerings to the Lady of Graves. This expense has been quite outside your reach.<br/><br/>Fortunately though, after asking around, following some rumors, and just blindly hoping for the best, you may have found a benefactor; one<strong>Canica Russala</strong>, who apparently is looking to provide such a sponsorship. Each of you have come to the Veins district of Wati, where you now await this benefactor's arrival, in the richly-appointed cabin of their river barque. You were invited in by servants, of which there seem to be six in total, dressed in slender silver chains and silks so fine that you could swear they would be transparent in better light. Incense burns to keep out the funk of the late-evening river, and these servants - three men and three women, all human - have provided you with mint-and-honey water, and an assortment of fruit, dates, and other small snacks to keep peckishness away.<br/><br/>The sun has slipped low on the horizon, surely this Canica person wouldn't miss their own appointment?