The men at the platform in the Tong cave, with dozens of dead highbinders scattered all around and a group of young women and girls behind the curtain to the north, pause for a moment as they consider what to do next.
Mr Xu had warned them that the local law would likely descend upon the rocky point in a short matter of time. None of the men could say exactly how long it has been since the explosion at the cave, but most would agree it has been enough time for Xu's prediction to become reality -- if in fact the Chinese businessman's estimate had been anything close to accurate.
Now, with their hearing still impaired -- the ringing in their ears making other sounds inaudible -- the man are faced with decisions even while lacking information and suffering the inability to converse in a normal fashion.
Is time of the essence? Did the sounds of dozens and dozens of weapon reports seep from the cavern into the rolling hills near the India Basin? Would any lawmen -- or others attracted by the explosion, such as those fishermen -- discover the passable entrances to the cave? The rabbit-hole wasn't easy to find, no, but perhaps it would have been if the heroes had passed it while gunfire blazed within, yes? Will they be able to escort the slave girls out of the cavern without drawing attention? Did it matter if they were to draw attention? Should they just march them out and see what they find? Or send a scout to assess the situation outside? And would they be able to find Mr. Xu at this time, after their initial rescue plan had taken an unexpected turn? If not, what would they do with the rescued slaves?
In different circumstances, the men might have talked it out -- debating such points and agreeing to a plan of action. Now, with their hearing still impaired -- it bears repeating -- the heroes must find a way forward without some of the advantages they often take for granted.
Artemus Carson finds himself alone in a darkening tunnel, following the fleeing highbinder at a slow pace. He, too, faces decisions. So far, none of his pards seems to be following him. He cannot know if that is because they see no need, are busy with something else, or are simply unaware of Carson's foray into the east tunnel. So far, the survivalist seems no sign of the warrior who had fled into the tunnel.
OOC: As noted at the end of Chapter 18, all except Art may post freely now, remembering that verbal conversation is still not possible.
Additionally, ALL PCs must make a Fort Save for the effects of countless rounds of gunfire in an enclosed space during a brief period of time (DC 20).
Results will be:
- Make save by 10 or more: temporary hearing loss only
- Make save by 9 or less: 10% permanent hearing damage
- Miss save by 9 or less: 25% permanent hearing damage
- Miss save by 10 or more: 50% permanent hearing damage
Duration of temporary loss and impact of long-term effects on gameplay will be at the Judge's discretion. The Judge plans to discuss this further in the OOC forum, as needed. If you have questions about this check, please post them there.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 21:41, Wed 27 Dec 2017.
