Austin takes in the map, and the changes described by their host. She remains quiet though as her companions speak of their thoughts to these people they barely know. Austin decides to keep her own thoughts to herself.

"I know.  I've been raised in an urban one with poverty my whole life," Ura says to Anaeris. She shakes her head wryly.  "And to think I came here to get away from that."

"Poverish city streets? You won't have to look far to find something familiar." The goliath chimed in common now, adding to the other conversation, which due to the limited space in the Lounge was surrounding him and Uthal now.

"It's true. The difference between those in Emperor Rahz'Puteen's favor, and the rest of the Wutai citizens is considerable. From the outside, this may seem a bustling and wealthy metropolis, but it's an illusion, figuratively. Even this shop itself is one; a solid whitewashed structure outside with a full inventory and well constructive interior. It was a shell, like every other building. The Archmeister invested more into this store, than it will ever likely make, because there are those who need the supplies. The city is a scam, trapping any too desperate or too unwitting to escape from beneath the Emperor's thumb. Any pub or inn is the same as the next; open to all because they can't afford to turn down coin. For travelers, as long as you're within the city walls, it's best simply not to have opinions."

Ljosalfia looked disappointed in herself, not for being unable to provide an answer, but for being the bearer of bad news that there was no answer for what Ura was specifically looking for, in terms of solace within the city of Wutai.

Turning back to the map, "Cathaan is the last standing. And perhaps a few of the fiefdoms. There are humans of course spread out across the continent, as there are any other race, but Cathaan is the only kingdom left ruled by humans. There was a small nation-state out in the northeastern Kal Sultanate that was a human monarchy, but it collapsed from disease and famine, some time ago. I only know of it from story; and the same would go for dragonborn. There possessed recognized lands long before my own time, but if they rule anyway now, I'm not aware. Azerim and Shinra are the only elven nations, if you wish to label them, and Gridehagia dwarven, though from what I've heard it's mostly mixed conglomerates that are allowed to rule themselves; partially, I believe to avoid conflict with the nomadic tiefling populations that spill over their borders."

Ura's eyebrows almost disappear beneath her hood as they rise.  "Cathaan is the only human settlement?  You wouldn't know it from being there.  They act like they own the whole continent."  She crosses her arms.  "And so this is an elven nation, huh.  So the current Emperor is also an elf?"  She tried not to let the disappointment color her question, even though she knew elves could be just as rotten as humans sometimes, when it came to depravities.  Still, she's so hoped that this continent would be different --

Sighing, she thanks Ljosalfia. "You've been a very helpful teacher so far.  I hope you wouldn't mind if we ever come back with more questions about this continent, or the people in it.  I learned quite a lot today."  She looks at the others, wondering that they don't actually have any questions for the forthcoming elven lady.

Anearis also looks like he’s ready to leave. He gives a bow to the store clerks.

"Ma Serannas. Thank you. You have been most helpful."

"Very informative." Austin agrees, giving a nod to their hosts. She follows the others as they make to leave the shop.

"Of course. It has been my pleasure." Ljosalfia says, bowing slightly to the group.

The goliath shop keep puts out a hand towards Uthal to shake it, likely in some sort of gesture of one goliath to another, but says nothing along with it.

Dokkalfol had since already returned to his task in the loft, whatever it was that he had been doing when the party first came in. Otherwise, they all watched as the group took their leave, back out onto the city street.

By this time it was still unlikely that Nik and Nack had returned to the tavern where the geoup was to meet them, so there was still time to kill, should any member of the party have need.

"I'd like to be back at the meeting spot in good time in case the brothers get back early." Austin informed the others. "Does anyone have anything else they need to do before we head back there?"

Uthal clasps the goliaths arm, just above the wrist, holding his other hand to his own elbow, to show that he has no weapons. 

"Just nabbing a map.  But if we have to hike out to a whole other section of the city to get it -- without a map, I might add -- it's not even worth the bother."  

Ura takes another look around for any sort of helpful public street map to orient herself, like what was present in Midgar.

Perception of 12, or Investigation of 11

(I'm assuming Ura can't use her ability of City Secrets unless she actually knows the city layout at least somewhat, hence her desire to get a view of the city street structure)

((I would say that the City Secrets feat would still be applicable, at least to an extent, however, not knowing the City, it would be more of a matter of discovery, so quicker ways to general areas rather than specific point A to point B in this case. However, considering the size of the city, it would be reasonable for the party to conclude that there's a good chance the Upper District may be too time consuming of a journey, at this particular time.))

While Ura sees no particular public posting of a map, she does manage to take in some of the other, wider street that their alleyway of stores seems to open to. The opening near the Archmeister's store (where the guard procession had gone to earlier) was a busier street, but Ura noticed a few of the plaques, either with the bed (inn) or tankard (tavern). She also saw in the middle of the street to a short wooden structure about 6 feet tall, with three sides, each only about two feet wide. Several pieces of parchment haphazardly hung from the structure. Two Shinra-Wutai guards stood beside it.

”Let's check that out,” Ura says, pulling her hood up a little higher and approaching the pillar of probably wanted posters or advertisements or rules or the like.

Ura's assumption was spot on, approaching the wooden pillar. A three-sided board with paper nailed in place. Individuals wanted by the city's governance for crimes included what likely were nicknames rather than given, and sketches with brief descriptions of their crimes. The postings contained a number of prominently displayed papers, compared to the other news.

"the old man" with a picture of a dwarf who's chin was clean shaven, so that thebonly facial hair was down the side burns and over his lip. He was wanted for racketeering, political treason, theft, and assault.

"One-eyed Jack" a picture of a dirty, soot-covered human with an eye patch. Wanted for arson, assault, murder and political treason. A series of smaller postings seemed to relate to this one, all for various individuals labeled as part of a criminal organization known as the 'suicide kings'

A handful more with lesser crimes littered the board, but noticably no matter the crime, each one seemed to also have 'political treason', including a list of names on a sheet, with no pictures whose only political crime was 'political treason'.

Another side of the board post contained regulations posted. Not a solid list but each post contained only a few or one at a time. The side of the board seemed to pop out as these postings were stacked on top of each other; countless postings over time completely obscuring those beneath. Of the currently visible ones, it included "Curfew in effect: sundown," "Permit required for gatherings of ten or more within single dwelling," and "Commerce Tax in Effect: 20%"

The third side of the board was completely empty, however, with the exception of a small wooden sign at the top that said, "Royal Announcements". There was evidence that showed postings had been their previously, but none were there now.

The two city guard standing their watched the party, as they approached, but otherwise paid them no attention. 

Austin looks over the postings and steps back. "Not overly informative." She remarks as she glances to the others.

Ura commits the faces of the 'Criminals' to memory, feeling a bit more and more like she was in an iron-fisted guard state.  Still, after a few moments, she nodded, looking at the others.  "Anywhere else you guys want to go, or should we get a drink and a meal at the tavern for now?"

Anearis nods. "We should stay close to the rendez-vous point. Though, I have a suspicion that our two dwarven companions might not be there on time."

Ura snorts and rolls her eyes.  "I'm not even sure they can tell time properly.  Though they can be surprisingly competent in a pinch.  And they know this place better than we do," she adds.  "Hanging out at the tavern to pick up the local rumors might not be a bad way of priming ourselves while we wait."

Returning back down the street, the 'boy' that Nik had directed the party to turn over the horses to was now standing back outside the door. As the party made to enter, the young elf scrambled to action, opening the door and holding it for the party to walk through. He wore a smile and held his free hand out, palm up, as he watched the party progress inside.

The interior walls and ceiling were bare bones, in that they were seemingly the same material as the building's exterior. The tavern was noticeably cooler than the tempature outside, which was by no means warm as is. It was chilly, not enough to negatively impact ones wellbeing, but enough to be initially an annoyance, until someone became acclimated during their visit.

The ceiling was lower in comparison to most businesses the party had visited. Uthal could easily stand up but it was low enough that he'd be able to touch it without having to fully extend his arm. The floor seemed to be a wooden tile of some kind, but the tables appeared to be stone, and rather than legs, had a single column that extended outward from the floor. It resembled a flower looking up, blooming at the table's surface. The bar was more a window sill, as it was a large cut opening between the seating area, and a kitchen behind it, in the next room. 

It was not a very busy establishment, a single table had three short individuals wearing dark leathers and heavy commoner clothing. Two men sat separately at the window bar, leaving the other four seats empty. 

Behind the bar was a female halfling who turned to the party as they entered, "Welcome. Take a seat, wherever."

Austin slipped a silver coin into the boy's hand as she passed. She holds his eyes for a moment, then gives him a nod, before moving inside. She follows the others to a table and sits.

"Thanks," Ura says with a small wave, sliding in to one of the flower-tables and appreciating the design.  "Do you have a house special here?" she asks the halfling.