Make special note of anyone our size, what they're wearing, and what they're doing.
((important part of my action from last time that wasn't commented on.))
once I've seen what I came to see, tug gently on Grate's right elbow.
"Back?"
Continue to follow Grate
Children or midgets?
Because the children are wearing somewhat unisex clothing consisting of a long robe or tunic, rather baggy pants and sometimes a head scarf, all various shades of brownish.
"Um, okay, if you want to."
Head back. Try to figure out what that was about.
You take your reluctant date back to the palace.
[intuition:2-1]
"DOPPELGANGER! What manner of demon are you?! Show me your true form, monster of the 9th realm!"
You begin trying to tear her clothes off. Somewhere far away you hear faith screaming something about "Protection" and "How she always knew your true nature".
Find the messenger. Ask about the map thing.
Would you happen to know where the messenger is?
You both head out in search of the messenger, wandering the entirety of the lowest level of the palace, sticking your heads through windows, calling for him like he's a lost dog and generally doing your best to find a man whose name and official position you don't know. You can't find him, leading you to the conclusion that he must be on a different level of the palace or outside of it.
"Well, there's a healthy atmosphere of terror if I've seen one."
Dance along with the patrol, keep at the route. If May or Xan fall behind, investigate what they're doing. From a distance.
You continue along the route, dancing just far enough ahead of May and Xan's shenanigans so as not to be associated with them.
Would you happen to know where the messenger is?
I'm afraid I don't. I would think he'd be on hand when not busy elsewhere.
Examine mice and mouse collar more carefully. Including alternate vision modes, if necessary.
They appear to be ordinary mice, though the one with the collar's brain is larger then the others.
(The briefcase full of mice and the Polybius cabinet are a reference to something. Bet you can't guess what.)
Guard duty continues! Contemplate on the true nature of guard duty, wonder how long I've been out here and how long til sundown
[int:3] You guard, therefore it is guarded. Simple.
You feel like you've been out here for a few hours and that sundown is rapidly approaching. The horizon is starting to fade to a bright red as the sun nears it.
Investigate downtown for the usage of contraband or illegal breast/penis implants.
You saunter over to the door to the brothel and attempt to kick it open, looking all cool and wild westy as you step in.
[str:1] You put your foot straight through the wall a good 5 feet from the door and immediately lose your balance and fall. You find yourself on your back, legs in the air, with one foot held in place and the other dangling free. It's a familiar position, to be honest.
Keep reading and watching the gate.
Third chapter is about a rivalry with a unknown contract killer. Apparently the author and the other killer were often double booked, told to kill the same person. They never met in person, but often clashed over their assignments but attempting to beat the other out to the kill. The author felt that the other killer was unprofessional, since he always took a trophy from the kill. He says it "Smacked of the amateur killer, the unsophisticated psychopath who channeled what would otherwise be serial murder into a business venture." He remarks that the other guy just ups and vanishes after a while, probably killed or caught by the police. He spends some time considering the importance of professionalism and how only those that divorce themselves from any connection to the act can truly be able to consider their actions from an objective standpoint and work to avoid mistakes.
Look around for "criminal" (read "vaguely suspicious looking") people. If suspicious enough (intuition rolls ho), dispense justice.
Well...may just assaulted that wall...and now people are looking at her. Loitering. Very suspicious.
[intuition:1+1]
Or maybe not...you can't really tell to be honest.