<div class="floatright">(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/ee/c0/f0/eec0f02302389cb992a1cc43438d95f7.jpg)</div><strong>OOC Scene 2, Post 4 - The Baths</strong><br/>I'm splitting this post into two parts to reflect Pharli going to the Magic Shop, and the second part will be the other three joining Kitty in the Spa.<br/><br/>Culture: As a player, I'm a big fan of Hot Tubs, so you frequently see Japanese/Oriental Style communal baths in my stories. In short, there is a stool, pail, and cloth/brush. The bather soaps and cleans themselves while seated or standing. Then, there is a large hot soaking tub where people can relax.<br/><br/><hr/><div class="floatleft">(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/fe/aa/ac/feaaacbfa8dd4ad052f1637c2310fce5.jpg)</div><br/><strong>"Would anyone like my help with their hair" </strong>asked Cassandra, to which Kitty answered with a giggle,<strong> "How about I help you wash yours, and then you brush mine when we get out. There are spots on my back which I cannot brush on my own."</strong><br/><br/>The group soaked, enjoyed their wine and cheese, and chatted idly for a while. Then Kitty broke into the conversation between the two Half-Elves. Given that Kitty did not speak Elven, she had not been following the conversation.<strong> "Ladies, I apologize for breaking into your conversation. However, there are some things you should know about Nowhere. The village is like..." </strong>Kitty paused, thinking,<strong> "Ah, are you familiar with a game played by human children. Atop a hill, one declares themself 'King of the Hill,' and then all others seek to push them off. The Ruler of Nowhere is similar. One group will come in and declare themselves rulers of Nowhere, and eventually, another group will come along and push them out. The Orcs and Hobgoblins arrived and put paid to the Bandits that had been here before. Neither is quite strong to take out the other. The Hobgoblins took the local keep but could not push the Orcs out without too many casualties. So, the two groups circle and snip at each other."</strong><br/><br/>Kitty turned to Sondanwe,<strong> "I do not know what your intent is here. However, the way you casually dispatched the two riders was impressive, and you speak Orcish. The Orcs see you as a possible ally and one that may tip the balance. The Hobgoblins may see you as a danger and seek to either recruit or eliminate you." </strong>Kitty turned to Alisandra and Cassandra,<strong> "Either or both of you may find yourself in a similar situation - as potential allies or enemies." </strong><br/><br/><strong>"You are likely safe here in the Dry Gulch. Arty and I steer clear of the politics, and the various gangs steer clear of us. Without me, Nowhere would not get provisions, and without Arty, no gold or magic. Regardless of what brought you here - Gold, Glory, Divine providence, or fleeing something better left behind - you will likely decide to explore in the Badlands. I caution you to go as a group, a powerful and well-equipped group. Many dangerous things exist in the Badlands."</strong><br/><br/>