Syd’s plan was well accepted, but as had become standard, everyone had a bit to add.
“If we all go at the temple together, I think we have a good chance of taking it. It may be well guarded from the outside, but I saw few guards within.
We need to get inside and bar the doors as quickly as possible, while whatever guards found within are taken care of. Someone else will have to take care of the priests, preferably without shooting them.
I don’t think the guards are being mind-controlled, and I don’t see how eliminating a few priests will help free the slaves. I’m only agreeing with this plan because we are in obvious danger. Self-preservation and justice are my motivators, and I don’t see killing priests helping with either goal.”
And, as had become standard, everyone’s bit became a lot more rather quickly.
“I think you underestimate the priests,” Milo interjected. “Even with this Wild Magic field disrupting their spells, they are still very dangerous. Or have you forgotten the Blade Storm that is still blocking the first bridge across?
And anyway, these are priests of a religion that feeds slaves to frogs. None of them are truly innocent.
I do think we should have a backup plan though. What if they aren’t doing any healing today?”
Seeing where this was headed, Syd quickly broke in.
“Instead of asking for healing, lets simply ask to join the Temple of the Frog. They seemed happy to let us in last time. As for the priests, we can’t leave them behind without proof that they are noncombatants. They have to be taken out.”
Lieutenant Val of the drow immediately agreed (which worried Syd to no end) and most other discussion quickly died out. Except for one thing …
“Hey Amio, buddy! How about you let me borrow one of those firearms you’ve got there!” quipped Zoltan, nodding towards the three assault blasters strapped to Amio’s back.
One had already been loaned to Orendil. And Amio apparently wanted to keep a spare.
“Well, Amio, I hope you’re as good a shot as you make yourself out to be! I don’t know why you are keeping two weapons for yourself, but I’m the best shot in this party! When the tide turns against us, don’t be surprised if I grab that other rifle from you and really show you how to shoot!”
Jumping up from the table, Amio merely snarled at Zoltan. Throwing the rifle he had promised Orendil on the table, he turned and stormed out.
Everyone else sat in stunned silence. That had NOT been a good development.