A few nervous moments pass as the lantern bearers link up and a great rush of spirits move forward, nearly overwhelming the cordon of under-priests. While some spirits seem momentarily curious about the Palanquin, none stay long. Soon the joyous shouts return and the mood turns to carnival. Great bands are heard playing in the distance, with music magically amplified and transmitted along the route. From the sides of the streets people line many rows deep. Here and there colored powders are thrown over the procession and everyone gets dusted.
Several of you notice small wagons loaded up with barrels joining the parade. People seem to buzz around these, it seems they are doing a roaring trade selling something. In addition every house you pass seem to have a table set up in front, overflowing with mouth-watering delights. The copper urns used to make steaming posts of thandi are everywhere and what better to wash the food down with?
Hirati returns and lands on Pratavh's shoulder, choosing to stay close to Pratavh now that trouble has happened once. Returning to his place in the procession, Pratavh and Hirati both keep their eyes and ears open.
Both Hirati and Pratavh realize that something is going on and he thinks at her, Let the others know that the crowd is getting very drunk and someone mentioned that something is off about the liquor that's being sold. Nodding her understanding, she does exactly that.
शांति
स्थिरता
मौन
(hide intentions)
Mohktar listens to the tones of those in the crowd, spying a particular hawker passing around a potent brew. But some among the crowd do not like the mixture...
The monk leans over to the others, attempting to be surreptitious as Shojo had taught him and mentions, "That Anchomuja peddler, his brew is causing the customers some intestinal disquiet..." He gestures as a pair of men pour their purchased drinks out instead of imbibing.
But something more dangerous catches his eye. Armed men. And they are keeping their appearance safely ensconced behind the Anchomuja sellers. He moves up closer to the palanquin and warns the others. "Behind the Anchomuja carts, a trio of men armed and armored and secretive. Be on alert..."
Mohktar whistles once, the trilling song of a whipperwhill. A warning to Shiko-san to alert him to danger.
Back to the others, "Pratavh, Alwyn, Lilly, have you an interesting distraction for our would be interlopers?"
Shiko begins to tail behind the men
"Would a sudden punch to the face count?
I mean i could probably sweet talk them, but i prefer kicking ass over kissing."
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While walking Alwyn has settled the image back into it's normal position and released it, noticing the people beginning to become very drunk and at Mohktar's request.....
"Perhaps I could get their attention and once fascinated send one home and Mohktar and Shiro could quietly relieve the other of their senses. Sorry Lilly, but if you walk anywhere near them with that sword it would automatically call my bluff. Then again, perhaps you might like to dance and we'll involve that very showy sword of yours after all."
Indicating the area ahead he mimics opening a small area within which he and Lilly could dance with swords to the crowds delight, the area is about 40' from where the men are.
"The silver flash of my blade mixed with the fiery flashes of yours should do well to draw their attention. If this plan suits everyone we need to send word to Shiro to delay any action till at least the 1st has been sent away. The three are not our biggest worry but them inciting this crowd very much so"
Alwyn and Lilly start a traditioal and very daring blade dance. They sweep their blades in great arcs, while the other jumps or ducks. Lilly's blade is particularly impressive, leaving firey trails. This quickly gathers a large crowd, mesmerised by the tricks the obviously well trained warriors are pulling off. The dance develops into a graceful mock combat. Each cut or thrust with the wickedly sharp blades makes the croud gasp. The blades seem to head inexoriably to slice off a limb here or puncture a lung there. However each time at the last moment, the other ducks aside or lightly deflects the blade!
"Nothing I can do will be safe to use in the crowd just now, not unless I attack them with a missile. I don't think we want to provoke that if we can avoid it." Pratavh continue to watch for threats while Hirati cheers on the mock fight, "Stab him through the heart! Now slice his nuts off Lilly!" Pratavh gives her a disturbed look and says, "Hon, shush, this isn't the place for that."
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Moving through the progressions, Alwyn has to jump back quickly as Lilly seemingly attempts the little dragon's request to the delight of the crowd. Focusing his fascinate ability (Will DC19) only on the merchant hawking the tainted booze and the and the guards closest to him. Alwyn and Lilly continue their dance
Āha!, Yaha pratīta hōtā hai acchē kē TSK TSK bhī tākatōṁ kō ēka samaya mēṁ hara bāra ēka kama jhaṭakā laga sakatā hai. Dēviyōṁ aura sajjanōṁ, maiṁ acchā Anchumuja kē bahuta yahām̐ para yaha ṭhīka sajjanōṁ dvārā āpūrti kī ga'ī hai samajhatē haiṁ. Acchā sāhaba, āpa isa taraha kē ēka śānadāra naśīlā kāṛhā banāyā hai kaisē kr̥payā hamēṁ batā'ō?
Shiko studies the men intently.
Cut his nutts off? Pratavh what are you teaching that pet of yours?
Lilly tries to make as flexible and graceful twirls while she dodges blows.
The Anchomuja seller is ebullient, seeming larger than life. His words are accompanied with exaggerated arm motions, you get the sense that people like him, trust him even, well in so far as to provide a blissful euphoria. He laconically tells Alwyn, "Melani Niswan mēṁ sabasē acchā Anchomuja karanē kē li'ē! Jisa taraha sē apanē GranMamma ēha thōṛā atirikta kucha kē sātha, yaha pasanda hai? Thā rāstē para acchī taraha sē milatē haiṁ! Melani, garva kē sātha yaha hai ki banātā hai aura ēka kā cayana viśēṣa ghaṭaka yō! Kō'ī Melani hai ki yaha kyā kaha nahīṁ kiyā. Āpakē pāsa kō'ī yaha likin jā sakatā hai? Āpa adhika fer vāpasa' commin kiyā! Melani yaha pahalē sē hī jānatē haiṁ."
शांति
स्थिरता
मौन
Seeing that between Alwyn and Lilly and the hidden Shiko the threat of the armed men is well observed, Mohktar maintains vigil over the palanquin. He whispers to Pratavh, [smaller]"Our armed men and jubilant hawker may be just the catalyst needed for a hidden attack. Be mindful of our surroundings. Perhaps Hirati can keep a bird's eye view of the surround?"
(scanning the surround)
Nodding acknowledgement, "Of course, Hirati..." The little dragon thinks at Mohktar, You owe me a treat for all this extra work.
"So shall it be said, so shall it be done, friend Hirati."
You get the feeling you are not going to get a straight answer to your suggestion/question.
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Alwyn concedes the point to Melani the merchant, in his adept side-step of his request for what ingredient was added to the Anchomuja, then turning to the rest of the crowd who had been enjoying his concoction as well as the others nearby.
" Durbhāgya sē hama abhī taka bahuta dēra kē li'ē isa julūsa mēṁ dērī hai aura āgē baṛha jānā cāhi'ē, hamārī chōṭī mārśala pradarśana karanē kē li'ē apanē magana dhyāna dēnē kē li'ē āpa sabhī kō dhan'yavāda. Āpa apanī ananta bākī kisī bhī aba mujhē āśā hai ki apanē priyajanōṁ mēṁ dērī karanē kī icchā nahīṁ hōtī. Śāyada, āpa vē para sē gujārēṁ kē rūpa mēṁ ina ātmā'ōṁ ṭō'asṭiṅga mēṁ āpa kē sātha mēṁ śāmila hōnē kē li'ē isa vyāpārī yācikā sakatā hai. "
free action Drop Bardic performance, Lingering Performance will continue - round 1 of 2
Using guidance, Lilly activates the sleevs of many garments.
New attire
Shiko keeps watching...and loosens his katana in its scabbard. This place keeps getting better.
Lilly's sudden change of attire causes some gasps followed by clapping, she really is keeping the crowd entertained by her fine performance and peerless skill with the fiery blade.
One particularly strapping lad, offers his mug to Melani. Melani smiles what seems like a bit forced and wintry at best to you and, and produces a small pewter tankard of his own and downs it. The crowd roar their approval.
Make a perception check please.
शांति
स्थिरता
मौन
Mohktar leans in to whisper to Pratavh, "I believe the merchant of this brew is deliberately dosing the crowd while these and fellows ate either robbing them or worse."
Nodding understanding to Mohktar, Pratavh replie, "Understood. I will keep an eye on all the ghosts and such, just tell me if anything goes wrong."
Corrupt guards for a corrupt city....
Shiko doesn't care if the guards are stealing from the crowd. He moved to the Palanquin We should be away from here. Nothing good comes of tarrying
शांति
स्थिरता
मौन
"Agreed." Mohktar responds. He gestures to the others and then to the litter bearers that it's time to move on.
If things get moving, the monk places himself between the palanquin and the armed men.
Bahni moans softly from within the Palanquin. The acolytes put their load down gently and check. The one called Fahad tells you, "Mujhē lagatā hai vaha ṭhīka hai. Dara'asala maiṁ toally yakīna nahīṁ hai, lēkina usanē kahā ki vaha lambē samaya taka kisī kō bhī viśvāsa hōtā hai adhika samaya taka calī hai, ēka sēnānī hai. Maiṁ ēka chōṭī dērī kī bāta nahīṁ hōgī yakīna hai."
The guards move closer towards the group of young revelers. They seem totally out of it, they've been sitting by the edge of the street for a while now but they're unresponsive, eyes glazed over. You get the feeling that the guards mean to carry them off down a side street where they'll be 'out of the way'.
What are you doing next?
Pratavh says to the two acolytes, his voice full of scorn, "Āpa usē gantavya kē li'ē surakṣita rūpa sē usē pānē kē li'ē āpa pavitra kartavya tyāganā hōgā tō sirpha ēka ḍriṅka lē jānē kē li'ē? Pujāriyōṁ kī kisa taraha āpa kara rahē haiṁ, aura apanē ucca pujārina isa taraha kē kāryōṁ kē bārē mēṁ kyā sōcēṅgē? Āpakā kartavya, abhī Bhani kē li'ē nahīṁ apanī jarūratōṁ hai."
Stunned by Pratavah's words, the acolytes shrink back and look at their shoes.
Lily keeps the performance up as long as needed.
It's all for preventing a catastrophy. Chances are i'll be seeing a new face or two, looking for a date.
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Unsure as to what he can do with his suspect merchant without any evidence, Alwyn turns back to the others. And overhearing Pratavh's reprimand lays a hand on the wizards shoulder. "Easy Pratavh, I think they set her down because we aren't moving and they are waiting on us , we are the delay not their thirst. Either we should move on or act. As of yet though I can't prove anything against the merchant other than a potent brew.Any suggestions?"
Nodding understanding at Alwyn, Pratavh turns to the two acolytes, "Mērī kṣamā yācanā acolytes, maiṁ isa sthiti kā tanāva mērē li'ē hō rahī hai ḍara laga rahā hai."
Hirati laughs at him and Pratavh gives her a dirty look but turns back to Alwyn, "You are right my friend. I think we should continue. As much as we distrust those people, we have a duty to Bhani and we should fulfill it."
Mohktar nods agreement, his duty is to Bahni and seeing her safely through the city. But to know he could do something good for these catatonic revellers gnaws at him.
"Shiko-san, Pratavh, Lilly, get the palanquin moving. Quick as you can." He looks to one of the water bearers along the road and withdraws a few silver pieces, handing them to him and pointing to a bucket of water for purchase.
(purchase the water)
Once the group has moved on with the palanquin, he passes by Alwyn and says quietly. "If I were to splash water over the faces of these glazed-eyed drunkards, would it possibly waken them? Those armed guards are going to pull them into an alley or something."
"Do it, sober them up."
Lilly removes the sleeves, returning to her normal attire.
The effect of the cold water is impressive, the drunks shriek. When it looks like Mohktar is about to get a second bucket, they curse at him and stumble away. The guards glower at Mohktar but one whispers something and they slink away, for now.
Mohktar presses his hands together and gives a slight bow to the armed men as they depart. Once they're gone he turns and follows the panquin as it continues do the road.
Shiko trails behind, a shadow left in the wake of the passing Palanquin.
You rejoin the slow parade of people and souls winding their way through the city to the ocean. You leave the Anchomuja wagons and the drunks behind. The acolytes Fahad and Wadi are relieved to be going, although they start to fret at the slow pace. The crowds are getting denser the further south you travel and in the distance you hear the roar of a great host chanting ritual replies to some huge open air ceremony.
There is a thrill of anticipation going through out the crowd, and you can sense eve the normally detached spirits are getting agitated. Everyone seeks to rush to be there for the opening of the gate ceremony. Slowly you inch closer, and you suddenly realize you are hungry. Fortunately the people of the city have laid on a vast feast of food. In this affluent area of the commercial district, families and businesses try to out do each other with generosity, with servants mingling through the crowds carrying platters laden with the most delightful morsels. Spiced crab, steamed bamboo shots, ginger and artfully folded pastry parcels stuffed full of, well you're not quite sure but it's delicious!
In the distance you hear a trumpet fanfare and there is a great cry from the people. In the sky you notice a curious golden luster to the under sides of the few wispy clouds over the bay. People start surging forwards, desperate to reach the ocean before it's over. You are hemmed in each side by the masses, uncomfortably close to the spirits. The lantern bearers are getting jostled and worse, you notice up ahead there is a street to the left where another river of humanity is trying to merge into the procession. There are raised voices and the mood of the frustrated crowd ahead is starting to turn sour.
*Sigh*....
More grumpy people?
Not being a trained singer, Lilly tries to calm the grumpy crowd's mood by singing, much to her own surprise she isn't half bad. She sings about lots of happy things.
Lilly's singing proves to be infectious, and soon a large portion of the crowd are joining in! The mood lightens considerably, but the fundamental problem remains, two roads jam packed full of people are merging into one. All it would take is one panic and a potentially lethal stamped would result.
People are generally trying to be respectful of the Palanquin, perhaps due to the obviously well armed group guarding it. Still it's getting bumped due to the sheer volume of the crowd. You doubt you've ever seen so many people before, surely there must be tens of thousands out today!
You are not making much progress forwards, what do you do?
Shiko has no options for dealing with a mass of people....he could stab a few as an incentive to get the others moving, but he doesn't believe this to be the most socially appropriate response.
Hirati, fly up and see if you can tell what the problem is. Let me know if it is anything we can do something about if you would. The tiny dragon flits up and observes, looking for any cause other than numbers and anyway that the press might be reduced.
Hirati flies up and soon spots the problem. While it's true there are tens, perhaps even hundreds of thousands of people on the streets, the real problem is further down after the junction. A large cart piled high with barrels has overturned and it's blocking much of the road.
.
.
.
"I could climb upwards, the make my way there and assist in removing the cart." He looks to the palanquin. "Perhaps two of us going would not cause the mission dismay."
.
.
.
"Though I've yet to master the language, I think some obvious gestures will suffice in getting the point across."
Mohktar cinches the straps on his haversack and eyes the closest buildings to pick his climbing approach. "Dear Hirati, if I might prevail upon your graces and ask that you accompany me. In such a way I can maintain contact with the group, yes?"
The monk takes a few bounding steps and leaps to the firmest handhold leading upwards then swinging and jumping his way to the roof.
(to handhold)
(platforming to roof)
Reaching the roof, Mohktar takes a moment to get his bearings and then starts to run and bound along the rooftops, making his way to the downed cart.
(scope for dangers)
(getting to area)
The monk makes his way thru the crowd, moving to the cart. Once there, he sets about attempting to organize a few of the men there to right it and get it on its way.
(can I get a hand?)