Cushions, baskets of figs, grapes, and oil lamps travel into the public bath. Warm marble edges become a supper circle, while Alberta, Stella, Dolly, Hitomi, Harriet, Tsubomi, Rosa, Barry, Prince, and Aphrodite accompany the gathering inside.
The senior attendant and two younger attendants remain by the entrance with the cracked bronze seal, guarding the passages and watching the bath through drifting steam.
Dolly
Let us practice welcome properly. Each guest should offer one custom that would help a newcomer feel safe enough to stay.
Harriet
Give them a place before asking them to prove they deserve it. A cushion, a portion, and no sudden demands.
Tsubomi Inaguchi
Let silence count as an answer. No one should have to perform friendliness before being treated kindly.
Stella Nabokov
Offer music, but ask first! And remember their name when they return, because being remembered is practically a festival.
the caller outside
Open these doors! This gathering violates the old restrictions. The temple is not a tavern, and supper does not excuse forbidden assembly.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach a peaceful accommodation with the temple
“I will ask the senior attendant to hear our peaceful terms.”
SUCCESS (Great Oratory, rolled +3)
Aphrodite
Senior attendant, hear our peaceful terms. We seek no riot or defiance, only welcome, shared supper, and freedom for those gathered here.
Aphrodite's words carry through the steam without sharpness. The senior attendant lowers the bronze seal, and the two younger attendants stop watching the crowd as though it were a threat.
the senior attendant
I hear them. No raised weapons, no barred guest cast out, and no secret violence beneath the temple's roof. Speak your terms before these witnesses.
He lifts one hand toward the entrance. The final passage opens fully, admitting cooler night air and revealing townspeople gathered beyond the threshold, curious rather than hostile.
Dolly
Then peace has been given a place to sit. We can offer every newcomer a cushion, a portion, and the chance to refuse conversation.
Harriet
And the terms should remain clear: no one is forced to perform, depart, or surrender their name to belong among us.
the senior attendant
Agreed. I will announce this peaceful assembly under my seal, and the temple doors shall remain open until supper is finished.
Quest Complete
Reach a peaceful accommodation with the temple