Zalten looks visibly concerned as Kashika mentions her vision. A sea of pitch and a pair of eyes in the darkness... whatever that entails it can't be good. A bit of that concern in his voice, he replies "I did not, no. Whatever that vision entails, it seems it was granted to you alone. If that was Zoran's eyes you saw in that vision and his voice you heard, then our cover is already blown. Perhaps negotation of some type isn't totally off the table though - he is your familly after all. Given how terrible your mother has been to you though... I do not have high hopes"
As Kashika mentions bringing the crown back into the sands of the Twilight, something clicks in Zalten's head. "There was another part of my god's message," he continues, "something about the world being cracked, a void. I beleive it must have been refering to the river we crossed. That place looked like the very realm had been split in half. Perhaps if there is anywhere you might be able to weave the kind of complex magic you want to with that crown, that would be it"
(Zalten's passive perception is 15)
Zalten walks carefully as the group progresses through the slums, keenly aware of the reaction of the public to their presence. Clearly, the people here know exactly what they are dealing with when they see this group... an aasimar, multiple humans, and elf... not exactly subtle in any way. He hopes silently that they will ignore the group, or at the very least word of their presence will not spread to fast to the castle
The moment the kobold falls out of the barrel, Zalten pins him as the kobold they saw on the wanted poster in the guardhouse. He's not too eager to actually chase the Kobold down, especially not to try and turn him in. It would jeapordize whatever secrecy they still have to go running after him just to turn him in, but perhaps he might have some information or experience that could be useful. He keeps a close eye on him as he runs away, trying to keep an eye on him as he runs into the crowd
Zalten and Mordred immediately notice the Kobold darting in and out of the long shadows cast by the upper-class buildings. He glances at the balcony where the lady Minotaur is sitting, being careful not to be seen before dashing under the balcony and around the house.
(OOC: The lady Minotaur hasn't noticed you as she is not looking in your direction.)
(sorry about the slow posting, work's been taking a bit out of me)
Tamara laughs ruefully at Nygil's dismissal of Florie. "Believe me, whatever she lacks in public speaking or social skill she more than makes up for on the battlefield, as my first group found out when she turned into a werewolf and ate several of my companions."
----
When it came time to leave, Tamara led the rest of the group out into the slums. She felt more comfortable here than she had in the desert or skulking about in courtyards, although the shadow of Zoran's reach kept her from having any notion of restarting here if this expedition failed as well.
She chuckles as she sees the feather-capped kobold go tumbling out of a barrel and run around. A barrel on a street filled with drunks? Not your best hiding spot...
Her smile turns to a frown as she realizes that they've entered the rich part of town. Given the reaction they got from the gnoll woman earlier, this was an area likely to be more dangerous than any slum would be. Who knew who might see them and report to Zoran over loyalty or a reward? "I think we need to get through here as quickly as we can. I don't think a anyone here is going to be keen on having us around, and with the richer residents comes for risk of a noble looking for favor."Turning around, she notices Zalten and Mordred looking at something back from the way they came. "What are you looking for? Is someone following us?"
(OOC: Sorry if this wasn't clear, Mordred and Zalten are watching the Kobold who dashed in front of you. He's currently making his way deeper into the Upper-class part of town.)
Zalten watches the kobold run, keeping a careful watch of where he moves, and is especially intrigued by the clear efforts he makes to avoid the lady minotaur on the balcony. If this wanted kobold is avoiding that woman... well then, perhaps its best if they do as well. He turns to the group and whispers
"That kobold was on the wanted posters back in the guardhouse. We could pursue him but we have more important things to learn from him". With that, he points to the minotaur on the balcony, continuing "I don't know who she is, but he's clearly trying to avoid her. It might be best for us to do the same"
Kashika was silent for a long time once he shared his thoughts. And while it was a shot in the dark, the likelihood was.. high. Though she had no real life experiences to come to that conclusion, her life had led her to need to be smart and wise, even thoug that only helped her when the other people couldn't overpower her.
"I... don't know. M-maybe" she pondered. Her head turning away as she considered it deeper. She wasn't a wizard... her power came naturally.
"I d-dont know. But what I k-know of magical things is there is always a connection... no matter how unlikely... y-you may .. be onto something... I w-will consider that i-" she pauses, almost saying 'if' "-when we get there. The biggest issue will be doing it" she says.. thinking about how the others may try to stop them, whether or not they'll agree, and whether they'll worry more about simply completing this forced quest to get home, or risk it on this gamble.
Sure, everyone was more or less friendly ..now...
She shook her head of those thoughts, she would deal with that bridge when she came to it, even if she had to...
"And.. I d-dont known if Zoran is my sire.... I only know that Cyra is my mother. B-but I suppose it's not impossible.."
____________________________________
Kashika had been so caught up in her response she had failed to notice the puss in boots of a kobold (as much as her player would love to pursue it!) And she would follow of they did.. if only because she knew she couldn't do this alone... or could she?
(OOC: I beleive I'm correct that Zoran and Cyra are siblings, but DM lmk if I'm wrong)
Zalten turns to Kashika and quickly responds: "He is your uncle after all. I would hope that would count for at least something, some slight level of care. I agree... getting our hands on that crown is going to be the hardest part of all. I can't image Zoran is going to be exactly eager to let it go. Let's deal with the matter at hand first though.."
He trails off as he focusing on the Kobold, continuing to watch him weave through the streets as best as he can, taking note of his movements in preperation for the group's own trek towards the castle
Jumble had been relatively quiet, taking in the sites around him as the group moved through the city. At their moment of decision, he thought or a second and spoke, "I think I agree that avoiding the upper-class area is probably our better option." Then he shrugged, "not that it's likely THAT much better, but still."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"WHAT!" Nygil says loudly as Tamara explains that Florie was a werewolf. He pauses for a moment, "Huh, I suppose that makes sense given..."He trails off, and doesn't elaborate on what he had been about to say, no matter who asks him.
When he sees the kobold, he immediately recognizes him...but doesn't remember anything the poster said. "Hey...was he on a wanted poster or a missing poster? I didn't really pay much attention to those posters honestly..." He shrugs, then readies himself as if to chase after the little guy. "Anyone want to catch him? Yes? No?"
He waits for a moment, doing his best to track the kobold's direction: 7
"Hmm, I think we should go through the upper class section. It might be where we are least expected," he says.
Jack opens his mouth, closes it, then opens and closed it again. He has no idea how to respond to Jumble's statements, purely because of how off his assumptions are from the truth. It makes sense, a cell phone is a complex thing and it is definitely not an easy thing to explain to someone that probably doesn't even know what a telegraph is.
But as Nygil comments on finding knowledge, his eyes light up. He takes the phone back out and opens up another video of the elf playing the lute. "Exactly! So much knowledge can be stored on here, and it's all widespread and easy to access. If only I had service, I could show you what the internet is." When Nygil pokes the phone, the video disappears and reveals the 'camera' function. Jack doesn't see it yet. "I'm not sure if there's anything that could teach you to fight, but people take videos of themselves teaching others how to fight, and then they upload it to the internet for whoever wants to learn." He looks back to his phone, to see if he has any videos from some of the classes he's taken, but finds the camera is open instead. He takes a picture of the wall of posters, and then turns back to Nygil to show him with the photo pulled up. "This is a picture of that wall over there. And it'll stay on my phone until I delete it."
In response to Mordred, Jack only smiles brighter and nods as a way to say 'you're welcome.'
Jack follows everyone else out into the slums, keeping an eye on the kobold. When Rethan mentions the wanted posters, he moves to pull his phone out again, but the kobold is gone before he can get it out of his pocket. Out of the corner of his eye he can see Nygil itching to chase after them, to which he puts a hand on his shoulder and shakes his head. "Let's not get sidetracked. Our goal is to get the crown and go back home." He nods along with Zalten's suggestion to avoid the minotaur on the balcony---and Jumble's suggestion to avoid the area entirely. "I agree too. We'd stand out more in the upper-class neighborhoods than on the main street. Plus... I would rather avoid the rich. I've worked for a few and let's just say I'd rather not work for them again.They weren't too nice." He suddenly realizes who he's talking to, his eyes widening and his heart dropping into his stomach. "OH! Oh jeez. I don't mean you, Nygil, I mean the people back home, well, at my home. You're one of the nice ones. I mean, I'm sure there are plenty of nice rich people, but---ahem---you're the only one I've come across. So far." Resisting the urge to slap himself in the face and run, he wheezes under his breath, "I'll... I'll just stop talking now."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin'sFrom Dusk to Dawn Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
Ok so far it's 2 votes to go back to the main road, and 1 for the housing area.
Currently, the only person you can see in the housing area is the lady minotuar and the occasional servant dusting out rugs or bringing groceries home. The Kobold is out of sight now, but Zalten and Mordred still have a general idea of where he went.
You will still have to walk down a bit of this wide road, which pretty much serves as a barrier between the slums and the upper class, to get to the main road. This road is not crowded, but the main road will be.
(Will wait for a few more votes before pushing forward.)
"Oh alright," Nygil says to Jack, turning away from the direction the Kobold went in. At least if no one else wants to chase the kobold, he could keep pretending that he definitely saw where the little bugger ran off to.
He frowns a little when Jack says 'I don't mean you', the expression looking a more on the side of confused rather then upset. "Ah, don't lump me in with them." He waves a hand dismissively. "I'm not rich. Not anymore anyways." He laughs, "Now, the rest of my family. Yeah, you can lump them right in there along with the rest of them....wait... you think I'm nice?" He sounds genuinely surprised, "No one has ever said that before. Most people think I'm rude, arrogant, and...uh...well, anything but nice." He rubs the back of his neck, looking downwards for a second, "You're not just...saying that are you? I promise I won't be offended if you are. Trust me, I completely understand."
Mordred had nodded listening to Zalten he too had his gaze upon the Kobold.
"Yes that Kobold is making it's way up the upper class it seems. I wonder if they are some sort of pick pocket skulking around like that?"
But Mordred was also curious on all this talk of video's it sounded like.. A strange sorta magic hadn't it? Mordred had chuckled when Jack began to fall silent upon talking to Nygil.
"Heh.. Why do you do that Jack? You go on these.. Interesting tirades and than you end up getting a bit sullen?"
Too Mordred what Jack had said fascinated him and it never failed to catch his attention. Though speaking of attention hearing to the werewolf eating Tamara's comrades he looks to Nygil than Tamara before telling her.
"Ahh.. Well I am sorry for you're loss."
"I also believe we should head to the main road if this matter is another vote."
Mordred had heard what Jack had told Nygil as he walked close beside Nygil.
No one has told you that you're nice? You offered to carry somebody. Even with you're scrawny body.. I'd say that is plenty kind. You are truly good man Nygil I'm sorry if I hadn't made that clear before. You and Jack have earned my trust and proven to me not everyone only seeks to survive in the Twilight.
Tamara thinks for a moment then addresses the group. "I have come to a decision." She says, "If you all are planning to approach from the main gate, perhaps I can provide a distraction for you. I'll pretend to approach the castle from the upper-class area, thus drawing the guards to my location."She pauses,"However, If this works...I do hope you will find me and let me accompany you back to Dusk. I still would very much like to go home. I just know that having the guards off your back will help you get into the castle easier."
She falls silent, waiting for some kind of answer.
Zalten stares up at the minotaur woman on the balcony for a moment before turning back to the group and saying "The main road seems risky. There's almost guaranteed to be guards all over that place, not to mention that if people here have been noticing us, people there will as well, and with how many people might be on the main road, someone's bound to decide selling us out to Zoran's worth it. If no one who's seen us has already that is. It's ot like those in the upper class district are going to be all that much more secretive, I just think the less eyes that can see us the lower odds we have of being caught. As long as we keep out of the sight of that minotaur woman that is"
When Tamara speaks up, Zalten looks concerned for a moment before he quickly shifts his face to gratitude and calm. He's incredibly hesitant to put Tamara at risk, both because he knows he's going to need all the help he can get with what is coming ahead, and because at least partially he feels responsible for everyone's safety. Looking around, he knows that some of them here, especially Mordred and Rethan, are far more capable of shielding everyone that he is, but years of serving his god make Zalten instictivly want to ensure everyone's safety. It certainly was a lot easier though to protect others when he had the full blessings of his god to weild. Though the sight of his god's light (or any natural sunlight at all for that matter) is someting he misses dearly, the convience of having healing magic always at the ready is certainly up there. Without it, he can only try his best to strike down those who would harm his allies before they get the chance to do so
He then turns to Tamara, but not before shooting a worried glance at Kashika, knowing this plan will likely make an already complicated issue even more complex.He then says:
"That is quite the risk for you to take, especially given the fact you've worked for Zoran before... he might recognize you if you are captured. If you are willing to do that for us though, then that is our best shot at getting into the castle without too much commotion. Thank you Tamara. I swear to you, we will come find you and ensure you get to go home"
Tamara gives Zalten a tired smile, "I understand the risk, but honestly, I think the fact that that bloody worm knows me might make this even better. Whether you decide to take the road or sneak through the housing area, I can still provide a distraction. Though If you decide to go the main road, give me a good head start. I have a feeling that's where most of the guards are, so you'll want to give them time to take the bait. You also will still need to worry about the guards at the main gate."
Kashika would have flushed for a moment if she had fleshy cheeks. She had initially thought he had meant that Zoran and Cyra were her sire and matron respectively. Regardless, she quickly shakes her head clear and responds A-ah.. yes. You think that m-maybe my relation might get us more leeway than we otherwise might get... or perhaps the opposite could a-also be true. she admitted to both possibilities being equally possible...
Regardless, Kashika crossed her arms as she put her mind to considering the better route and overall her opinion was for the main road if the slums had no direct path. She had spent nights in rich folks houses and they were some of the few she hadn't dared to rip off due to all the security.... However ... when Tamara offered to become a distraction... She nodded. Whether Tamara was doing it for her own benefit, or for the benefit of Kashika's plan... or something in between.... or else entirely...
T=that's a good idea Tamara... if you c-can draw enough attention the main road itself may go empty if you make a big enough fire...Though Kashika didn't nessecarily care about Tamara on a personal level... she also didn't want her to come to harm for atleast a small handful of reasons so she added But be careful not to get c-caught.
then, finally, to the group she says T-tamara has offered to be a distraction.... And my v-vote is the main road. 'Favors' aside... the wealthier part of town will have more g-guards overall... both city and personal....while the m-main road will just be a c-chaos of people... easier to get lost in.
Tamara nods to Kashika, "Very well then. Good luck, and I hope I see you again soon."With that, she dashes into the upper-class housing area running directly under the lady Minotaur. The sorcerer pays no mind as the Minotaur stands up and screams "HUMAN! They are coming for the crown!" Soon, Tamara is out of sight. Several guards run out from between the buildings, glance at the Minotaur then run after Tamara. You hear a commotion coming from the main road which morphs into the sound of several armored feet clanging on the cobbled streets and into the maze of houses. You take this as an opportunity to rush towards the main road. During your dash, you hear several more distressed cries from the nobles then glance back when you smell smoke. Looks like Tamara has decided to set a few of their houses ablaze.
When you step into the crowded streets, many of the locals stop and stare at you. They look a bit confused since all the guards had run to aid the nobles. However, none of them call for help. None that you can see anyway, and if they did, all the guards in the area had rushed away. Most of them go back to shopping, though some of them give you irritated glances as the shop keepers try to catch your eye. Some blatantly ignoring their customers when trying to get you to look at their wares. You also notice a few individuals grin in your direction and sneak towards some of the booths. No guards, means no law enforcement.
From here, you are only about a half a mile from the castle. The main road will take you to the front gates, which you know for a fact have at least two guards watching them.
Kashika:
Zalten looks visibly concerned as Kashika mentions her vision. A sea of pitch and a pair of eyes in the darkness... whatever that entails it can't be good. A bit of that concern in his voice, he replies "I did not, no. Whatever that vision entails, it seems it was granted to you alone. If that was Zoran's eyes you saw in that vision and his voice you heard, then our cover is already blown. Perhaps negotation of some type isn't totally off the table though - he is your familly after all. Given how terrible your mother has been to you though... I do not have high hopes"
As Kashika mentions bringing the crown back into the sands of the Twilight, something clicks in Zalten's head. "There was another part of my god's message," he continues, "something about the world being cracked, a void. I beleive it must have been refering to the river we crossed. That place looked like the very realm had been split in half. Perhaps if there is anywhere you might be able to weave the kind of complex magic you want to with that crown, that would be it"
(Zalten's passive perception is 15)
Zalten walks carefully as the group progresses through the slums, keenly aware of the reaction of the public to their presence. Clearly, the people here know exactly what they are dealing with when they see this group... an aasimar, multiple humans, and elf... not exactly subtle in any way. He hopes silently that they will ignore the group, or at the very least word of their presence will not spread to fast to the castle
The moment the kobold falls out of the barrel, Zalten pins him as the kobold they saw on the wanted poster in the guardhouse. He's not too eager to actually chase the Kobold down, especially not to try and turn him in. It would jeapordize whatever secrecy they still have to go running after him just to turn him in, but perhaps he might have some information or experience that could be useful. He keeps a close eye on him as he runs away, trying to keep an eye on him as he runs into the crowd
Perception: 19
Zalten and Mordred immediately notice the Kobold darting in and out of the long shadows cast by the upper-class buildings. He glances at the balcony where the lady Minotaur is sitting, being careful not to be seen before dashing under the balcony and around the house.
(OOC: The lady Minotaur hasn't noticed you as she is not looking in your direction.)
(sorry about the slow posting, work's been taking a bit out of me)
Tamara laughs ruefully at Nygil's dismissal of Florie. "Believe me, whatever she lacks in public speaking or social skill she more than makes up for on the battlefield, as my first group found out when she turned into a werewolf and ate several of my companions."
----
When it came time to leave, Tamara led the rest of the group out into the slums. She felt more comfortable here than she had in the desert or skulking about in courtyards, although the shadow of Zoran's reach kept her from having any notion of restarting here if this expedition failed as well.
She chuckles as she sees the feather-capped kobold go tumbling out of a barrel and run around. A barrel on a street filled with drunks? Not your best hiding spot...
Her smile turns to a frown as she realizes that they've entered the rich part of town. Given the reaction they got from the gnoll woman earlier, this was an area likely to be more dangerous than any slum would be. Who knew who might see them and report to Zoran over loyalty or a reward? "I think we need to get through here as quickly as we can. I don't think a anyone here is going to be keen on having us around, and with the richer residents comes for risk of a noble looking for favor." Turning around, she notices Zalten and Mordred looking at something back from the way they came. "What are you looking for? Is someone following us?"
(OOC: Sorry if this wasn't clear, Mordred and Zalten are watching the Kobold who dashed in front of you. He's currently making his way deeper into the Upper-class part of town.)
Zalten watches the kobold run, keeping a careful watch of where he moves, and is especially intrigued by the clear efforts he makes to avoid the lady minotaur on the balcony. If this wanted kobold is avoiding that woman... well then, perhaps its best if they do as well. He turns to the group and whispers
"That kobold was on the wanted posters back in the guardhouse. We could pursue him but we have more important things to learn from him". With that, he points to the minotaur on the balcony, continuing "I don't know who she is, but he's clearly trying to avoid her. It might be best for us to do the same"
For Zalten:
Kashika was silent for a long time once he shared his thoughts. And while it was a shot in the dark, the likelihood was.. high. Though she had no real life experiences to come to that conclusion, her life had led her to need to be smart and wise, even thoug that only helped her when the other people couldn't overpower her.
"I... don't know. M-maybe" she pondered. Her head turning away as she considered it deeper. She wasn't a wizard... her power came naturally.
"I d-dont know. But what I k-know of magical things is there is always a connection... no matter how unlikely... y-you may .. be onto something... I w-will consider that i-" she pauses, almost saying 'if' "-when we get there. The biggest issue will be doing it" she says.. thinking about how the others may try to stop them, whether or not they'll agree, and whether they'll worry more about simply completing this forced quest to get home, or risk it on this gamble.
Sure, everyone was more or less friendly ..now...
She shook her head of those thoughts, she would deal with that bridge when she came to it, even if she had to...
"And.. I d-dont known if Zoran is my sire.... I only know that Cyra is my mother. B-but I suppose it's not impossible.."
____________________________________
Kashika had been so caught up in her response she had failed to notice the puss in boots of a kobold (as much as her player would love to pursue it!) And she would follow of they did.. if only because she knew she couldn't do this alone... or could she?
(Doing all this on a phone is... hard.)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
(OOC: I beleive I'm correct that Zoran and Cyra are siblings, but DM lmk if I'm wrong)
Zalten turns to Kashika and quickly responds: "He is your uncle after all. I would hope that would count for at least something, some slight level of care. I agree... getting our hands on that crown is going to be the hardest part of all. I can't image Zoran is going to be exactly eager to let it go. Let's deal with the matter at hand first though.."
He trails off as he focusing on the Kobold, continuing to watch him weave through the streets as best as he can, taking note of his movements in preperation for the group's own trek towards the castle
(Zalten is correct. The two are brother and sister.)
So you all have two options.
Go back to the main road or sneak through the upper-class area.
Jumble had been relatively quiet, taking in the sites around him as the group moved through the city. At their moment of decision, he thought or a second and spoke, "I think I agree that avoiding the upper-class area is probably our better option." Then he shrugged, "not that it's likely THAT much better, but still."
(( 1 vote for main road ))
Sterling - V. Human Bard 3 (College of Art) - [Pic] - [Traits] - in Bards: Dragon Heist (w/ Mansion) - Jasper's [Pic] - Sterling's [Sigil]
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
"WHAT!" Nygil says loudly as Tamara explains that Florie was a werewolf. He pauses for a moment, "Huh, I suppose that makes sense given..." He trails off, and doesn't elaborate on what he had been about to say, no matter who asks him.
When he sees the kobold, he immediately recognizes him...but doesn't remember anything the poster said. "Hey...was he on a wanted poster or a missing poster? I didn't really pay much attention to those posters honestly..." He shrugs, then readies himself as if to chase after the little guy. "Anyone want to catch him? Yes? No?"
He waits for a moment, doing his best to track the kobold's direction: 7
"Hmm, I think we should go through the upper class section. It might be where we are least expected," he says.
Jack opens his mouth, closes it, then opens and closed it again. He has no idea how to respond to Jumble's statements, purely because of how off his assumptions are from the truth. It makes sense, a cell phone is a complex thing and it is definitely not an easy thing to explain to someone that probably doesn't even know what a telegraph is.
But as Nygil comments on finding knowledge, his eyes light up. He takes the phone back out and opens up another video of the elf playing the lute. "Exactly! So much knowledge can be stored on here, and it's all widespread and easy to access. If only I had service, I could show you what the internet is." When Nygil pokes the phone, the video disappears and reveals the 'camera' function. Jack doesn't see it yet. "I'm not sure if there's anything that could teach you to fight, but people take videos of themselves teaching others how to fight, and then they upload it to the internet for whoever wants to learn." He looks back to his phone, to see if he has any videos from some of the classes he's taken, but finds the camera is open instead. He takes a picture of the wall of posters, and then turns back to Nygil to show him with the photo pulled up. "This is a picture of that wall over there. And it'll stay on my phone until I delete it."
In response to Mordred, Jack only smiles brighter and nods as a way to say 'you're welcome.'
Jack follows everyone else out into the slums, keeping an eye on the kobold. When Rethan mentions the wanted posters, he moves to pull his phone out again, but the kobold is gone before he can get it out of his pocket. Out of the corner of his eye he can see Nygil itching to chase after them, to which he puts a hand on his shoulder and shakes his head. "Let's not get sidetracked. Our goal is to get the crown and go back home." He nods along with Zalten's suggestion to avoid the minotaur on the balcony---and Jumble's suggestion to avoid the area entirely. "I agree too. We'd stand out more in the upper-class neighborhoods than on the main street. Plus... I would rather avoid the rich. I've worked for a few and let's just say I'd rather not work for them again.They weren't too nice." He suddenly realizes who he's talking to, his eyes widening and his heart dropping into his stomach. "OH! Oh jeez. I don't mean you, Nygil, I mean the people back home, well, at my home. You're one of the nice ones. I mean, I'm sure there are plenty of nice rich people, but---ahem---you're the only one I've come across. So far." Resisting the urge to slap himself in the face and run, he wheezes under his breath, "I'll... I'll just stop talking now."
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin's From Dusk to Dawn
Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
I'M BACK
PFP credit goes to Mo Willems
Ok so far it's 2 votes to go back to the main road, and 1 for the housing area.
Currently, the only person you can see in the housing area is the lady minotuar and the occasional servant dusting out rugs or bringing groceries home. The Kobold is out of sight now, but Zalten and Mordred still have a general idea of where he went.
You will still have to walk down a bit of this wide road, which pretty much serves as a barrier between the slums and the upper class, to get to the main road. This road is not crowded, but the main road will be.
(Will wait for a few more votes before pushing forward.)
"Oh alright," Nygil says to Jack, turning away from the direction the Kobold went in. At least if no one else wants to chase the kobold, he could keep pretending that he definitely saw where the little bugger ran off to.
He frowns a little when Jack says 'I don't mean you', the expression looking a more on the side of confused rather then upset. "Ah, don't lump me in with them." He waves a hand dismissively. "I'm not rich. Not anymore anyways." He laughs, "Now, the rest of my family. Yeah, you can lump them right in there along with the rest of them....wait... you think I'm nice?" He sounds genuinely surprised, "No one has ever said that before. Most people think I'm rude, arrogant, and...uh...well, anything but nice." He rubs the back of his neck, looking downwards for a second, "You're not just...saying that are you? I promise I won't be offended if you are. Trust me, I completely understand."
"I agree the main road might be the safer option," Rethan says. "Nobles do seem more likely to turn us in, hoping for some reward or favor."
Mordred had nodded listening to Zalten he too had his gaze upon the Kobold.
"Yes that Kobold is making it's way up the upper class it seems. I wonder if they are some sort of pick pocket skulking around like that?"
But Mordred was also curious on all this talk of video's it sounded like.. A strange sorta magic hadn't it? Mordred had chuckled when Jack began to fall silent upon talking to Nygil.
"Heh.. Why do you do that Jack? You go on these.. Interesting tirades and than you end up getting a bit sullen?"
Too Mordred what Jack had said fascinated him and it never failed to catch his attention. Though speaking of attention hearing to the werewolf eating Tamara's comrades he looks to Nygil than Tamara before telling her.
"Ahh.. Well I am sorry for you're loss."
"I also believe we should head to the main road if this matter is another vote."
Mordred had heard what Jack had told Nygil as he walked close beside Nygil.
No one has told you that you're nice? You offered to carry somebody. Even with you're scrawny body.. I'd say that is plenty kind. You are truly good man Nygil I'm sorry if I hadn't made that clear before. You and Jack have earned my trust and proven to me not everyone only seeks to survive in the Twilight.
(I suppose I will bot Tamara.)
Tamara thinks for a moment then addresses the group. "I have come to a decision." She says, "If you all are planning to approach from the main gate, perhaps I can provide a distraction for you. I'll pretend to approach the castle from the upper-class area, thus drawing the guards to my location." She pauses, "However, If this works...I do hope you will find me and let me accompany you back to Dusk. I still would very much like to go home. I just know that having the guards off your back will help you get into the castle easier."
She falls silent, waiting for some kind of answer.
Zalten stares up at the minotaur woman on the balcony for a moment before turning back to the group and saying "The main road seems risky. There's almost guaranteed to be guards all over that place, not to mention that if people here have been noticing us, people there will as well, and with how many people might be on the main road, someone's bound to decide selling us out to Zoran's worth it. If no one who's seen us has already that is. It's ot like those in the upper class district are going to be all that much more secretive, I just think the less eyes that can see us the lower odds we have of being caught. As long as we keep out of the sight of that minotaur woman that is"
When Tamara speaks up, Zalten looks concerned for a moment before he quickly shifts his face to gratitude and calm. He's incredibly hesitant to put Tamara at risk, both because he knows he's going to need all the help he can get with what is coming ahead, and because at least partially he feels responsible for everyone's safety. Looking around, he knows that some of them here, especially Mordred and Rethan, are far more capable of shielding everyone that he is, but years of serving his god make Zalten instictivly want to ensure everyone's safety. It certainly was a lot easier though to protect others when he had the full blessings of his god to weild. Though the sight of his god's light (or any natural sunlight at all for that matter) is someting he misses dearly, the convience of having healing magic always at the ready is certainly up there. Without it, he can only try his best to strike down those who would harm his allies before they get the chance to do so
He then turns to Tamara, but not before shooting a worried glance at Kashika, knowing this plan will likely make an already complicated issue even more complex.He then says:
"That is quite the risk for you to take, especially given the fact you've worked for Zoran before... he might recognize you if you are captured. If you are willing to do that for us though, then that is our best shot at getting into the castle without too much commotion. Thank you Tamara. I swear to you, we will come find you and ensure you get to go home"
Tamara gives Zalten a tired smile, "I understand the risk, but honestly, I think the fact that that bloody worm knows me might make this even better. Whether you decide to take the road or sneak through the housing area, I can still provide a distraction. Though If you decide to go the main road, give me a good head start. I have a feeling that's where most of the guards are, so you'll want to give them time to take the bait. You also will still need to worry about the guards at the main gate."
Kashika would have flushed for a moment if she had fleshy cheeks. She had initially thought he had meant that Zoran and Cyra were her sire and matron respectively. Regardless, she quickly shakes her head clear and responds A-ah.. yes. You think that m-maybe my relation might get us more leeway than we otherwise might get... or perhaps the opposite could a-also be true. she admitted to both possibilities being equally possible...
Regardless, Kashika crossed her arms as she put her mind to considering the better route and overall her opinion was for the main road if the slums had no direct path. She had spent nights in rich folks houses and they were some of the few she hadn't dared to rip off due to all the security.... However ... when Tamara offered to become a distraction... She nodded. Whether Tamara was doing it for her own benefit, or for the benefit of Kashika's plan... or something in between.... or else entirely...
T=that's a good idea Tamara... if you c-can draw enough attention the main road itself may go empty if you make a big enough fire...Though Kashika didn't nessecarily care about Tamara on a personal level... she also didn't want her to come to harm for atleast a small handful of reasons so she added But be careful not to get c-caught.
then, finally, to the group she says T-tamara has offered to be a distraction.... And my v-vote is the main road. 'Favors' aside... the wealthier part of town will have more g-guards overall... both city and personal....while the m-main road will just be a c-chaos of people... easier to get lost in.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
(Alright, sounds like ya'll want the main road.)
Tamara nods to Kashika, "Very well then. Good luck, and I hope I see you again soon." With that, she dashes into the upper-class housing area running directly under the lady Minotaur. The sorcerer pays no mind as the Minotaur stands up and screams "HUMAN! They are coming for the crown!" Soon, Tamara is out of sight. Several guards run out from between the buildings, glance at the Minotaur then run after Tamara. You hear a commotion coming from the main road which morphs into the sound of several armored feet clanging on the cobbled streets and into the maze of houses. You take this as an opportunity to rush towards the main road. During your dash, you hear several more distressed cries from the nobles then glance back when you smell smoke. Looks like Tamara has decided to set a few of their houses ablaze.
When you step into the crowded streets, many of the locals stop and stare at you. They look a bit confused since all the guards had run to aid the nobles. However, none of them call for help. None that you can see anyway, and if they did, all the guards in the area had rushed away. Most of them go back to shopping, though some of them give you irritated glances as the shop keepers try to catch your eye. Some blatantly ignoring their customers when trying to get you to look at their wares. You also notice a few individuals grin in your direction and sneak towards some of the booths. No guards, means no law enforcement.
From here, you are only about a half a mile from the castle. The main road will take you to the front gates, which you know for a fact have at least two guards watching them.