Turn 61 - Unexpected HostsPhiali, giving up on the completely terrible and broken bucket as a potential receptacle of water, fills up the copper water receptacle again and goes back to the house, knocking on the door. A very unattractive middle-aged man opens it, his face containing within it a very clear impression of general degeneracy that seems to metaphorically lunge at Phiali like a wild animal.
"What do you want?" he asks in a surly tone.
* * * * *
Lars gathers the three available peasants!
"Brothers, with me! We shall assault the heart of evil itself!"He then begins to lead his glorious assault, picking up ten others as he walks through the halls, allowing the guard to lead the way around any obvious traps or optimum ambush locations! However, at one point the guard stops.
"Um, I think we might be surrounded."Lars listens in. He doesn't hear anything at all. The other peasants look to each other and shrug as well.
"Yep, definitely surrounded. And they're coming this way. Be careful."* * * * *
Elizas, seeing that the guards appear to be enjoying his musical stylings, continues with his next masterpiece, "Guards Are Really Cool People That Get Money and Women".
[Vocal music roll: 6-->4+1]
And what a song it is. Continuing the magnificent tradition of soaring, triumphant songs by the prophet, the song is an anthem celebrating all the virtues of the humble guard, beginning with their respect for duty, their toughness and steadfast refusal to admit strange people who may very well be harboring nefarious intentions, then expounds upon the fact that their job will, in fact, have a reward - money and women, delivered in this life or the next, but ultimately delivered. At the end of it, one guard is in tears. The other is also visibly moved.
"That was beautiful. Let me show you in."He leads Elizas deeper into the building, coming into a room with a small, fat man reading a scroll while sitting on a large cushion.
"Um, sir, this man wants to speak with you."The man looks up with his small, narrow eyes at Elizas.
"Yes? What is it you wish?"* * * * *
Shashari, thinking of how to bypass the deathtrap formed by what could only be an opening to the underworld itself, comes to a decision.
"Hrm... well, if... maybe..."Not a well-articulated decision, mind you, but a decision nonetheless. She tries to lay flat on the water and float.
[Flotation roll: 5]
It works perfectly, actually. The undercurrents only start deeper down, being undercurrents, Shashari realizes, so it should be a snap getting over the deadly river now that she's got the hang of it. Up top the current's no stronger than a mild pull.
"That certainly doesn't look all that bad."* * * * *
Gronok understands the depth of his predicament, but also understands that there is no predicament his mouth cannot outrun, even if it has to leave his tender brain behind.
"Well then. Let's get going, shall we?" he says, indicating to Onon that he should come closer and help him out. And Onon does.
Good news is, he's feeling rather good now! He doesn't even get the urge to throw up incredibly intensely as Onon helps to lug his traumatized bulk all over town. On the way, Gronok points out his desire to get to someplace elevated. Unfortunately, aside from the tower of what is obviously a rather inhabited Kezilamite temple, they don't really see any particular elevations that look very dramatic and whatnot. There are some slightly steeper streets, sure, but that's mostly it.
Phiali: 1 MP
Lars: 4 MP
Elizas: 3 MP
Shashari: 5 MP
Gronok: 0 MP