(YBA) Kalath in Wicht's Lair (continued)

[Wicht]

The pillars (there are four of them) are not together but are posted in a square pattern around the whole 'room' that houses the city. Kalath descended apparantly through the northeast pillar. He can make out the huge forms of the other three pillars and head towards them but the exact path through the city he does not yet know.

Kalath can indeed see grates into what he guesses are the sewers at random points along the street. Most of them are little more than holes down which buckets may be conveniently poured with bars to keep things out/in. They are too small for him to squeeze through.

 

[graydoom]

Kalath decides to make his way towards the southwest pillar. He travels south along South Cross street for as long as he can, and if he ever cannot go south he goes west. While walking, he keeps his eye out for any larger than normal sewer entrances.

 

[Wicht]

At the very end of South Cross, there is a large building of blackstone. A symbol depicting what might be a frog with tentacles and bat wings is etched in red above the massive bronze doors. Underneath the symbol are the words, "House of Tutul." There are two large black cloaked figures holding schimitars in black gloved hands standing to either side of the door. There faces are hidden. Most 'people' seem to be avoiding the house.

Before one actually reaches the house of tutul however one can finally leave the cross either to the east or to the west.

Just west of the southern edge of South Cross is a small lake. Kalath sees a dark island in the middle of the lake and notices a path runs around the lake to the north and south. There appear to be no boats in the lake though there are two large skiffs beached on the eastern shore just down from where Kalath is standing.

 

[graydoom]

Before reaching the House of Tutul, Kalath turns off the Cross to the west.

If he finds the lake to be in the way of his path to the southwest pillar, Kalath takes the path around the lake to the south.

 

[Wicht]

As Kalath walks south along the eastern shore of the subterranean lake he is not alone. There are 'people' walking along the path going both north and south. On the east side of the path there are what are apparently dwellings. Individuals are leaving or entering these three buildings.

Kalath arrives at the south point of the lake and surveys the scenery. He is almost directly east of the southwest pillar now. South of him there is a large open space with a fountain in the center. There are pillars with lanterns on them the whole length of the open space There are two huge buildings on both sides of the open square (that is two on the east side and two on the west). Another huge building can be seen just a little north and west of Kalath. Each of these buildings is surrounded by a large solid wall. The walls seem to be patrolled. The main sight however is the palace. At the far end of the open space, south of the fountain is what appears to be a palace built of gray and yellow stone . Traffic to this building is much lighter than the traffic around the lake.

The path continues to circle the lake.

 

[graydoom]

Kalath continues towards the southwest pillar.

 

[Wicht]

Heading directly west across the northern part of the open square causes Kalath to come up to one of the high walls surrounding the great houses. Each wall comes to within a foot of the wall next to it. Unless Kalath wishes to attempt to squeeze between the walls he will have to go north or south to go around them.

 

[graydoom]

Kalath walks south and tries to find a way around the houses and their walls.

 

[Wicht]

As Kalath walks south he sees that the center wall, which he is by, has a coat of arms above the gate. Two lions rearing on either side of a snake.

Passing the southernmost of the three walls he sees that it too has a coat of arms over the gate, that of a tentacled bat.

Reaching the southern edge of this wall brings Kalath up to the palace grounds. A group of guards, heavily robed in red, faces hooded, approach Kalath.

"What are you doing here?" hisses the foremost of the four guards.

"No Tressspasssing." says another, "Essept by invitation from the bard."

Kalath sees that there are indeed very few people going to or from the palace.

 

[graydoom]

"My apologies."

Kalath turns around and heads north, trying to get around the houses that way.