[PYROS - CH2] Mission to Mogholay

[Ross Fisher]

Sjemus carefully climbed the steps. For all he cared, the view at the top could be bloody spectacular. It still wouldn't account for all the aches it took to get there. What's worse, he couldn't complain about it. Young Mikki was there too, and he wasn't saying a word. Smug little sod.

It was yer man the Exarch of Varcösz who had sent him there. Him and dozens of others. "Go find out what's going on with Mogholay." Feck all, that's what. This place was one dusty waystation after another. Why anyone would be interested in it was beyond him. It's not like Pyros could throw troops at capturing this wasteland, and he couldn't see Mogholay moving an army through here, either.

Still, he had to have a look over this one last pass. Rumour was, the lush oases beyond were home to some of the richest agriculture on the continent. If that was true - and it was a big If, mind - maybe this place would be worth fighting for.

At least, thank the ancestors, the end of the stair was in sight.

"That's far enough, foreigner!" called a voice. Szejmus strained his eyes against the glare of the sun. A figure was standing at the top of the path.

"Are ye sure?" asked Szejmus. "We've come an awful long way."

"I know," replied the sentinel. "I watched you. You were nearly as quick up the steps as my grandmother."

"Seems a shame to miss the view from the top?" pleaded the Varköszi.

"Yes. It does."

Szejmus could swear the shadow was grinning at him through the glare. He had half a mind to swear, spit, throw rocks, drop his trousers and lay waste all over these stupid steps. But he was too tired for that malarkey.

"Could ye at least give us a drink before yous send us back down?"

"That I can do. Wait here." And the figure retreated.

"Mikki, quick now. Go have a look." And the swift little bugger was off. Szejmus sat back against the wall, grateful for the shade and the rest. His mind wandered, recalling mossy bogs and woody glades. It would be drizzling back home. You'd never think you'd miss it until you came somewhere like this, dry as a firepit and even less fun.

"Here, stranger," replied the sentinel, handing him a waterskin. "Drink, and then go."

He didn't love being treated like a dog, but he wasn't an eejit. Not about to risk anything on this stupid job. He did as he was told and trudged back down the steps. At least gravity was on his side this time.

As soon as he passed out of sight of the sentinel, he stepped off the path again. No sense rushing things.

A minute or two later, Mikki came trotting along. The sentinel must have returned to his base to stash the waterskin.

"Right," said Szejmus, pulling out his own waterskin and offering it to Mikki. "Have a drink, and then tell us what ye saw."

Edited January 3 by Ross Fisher

[Khorne]

Love it! Like I said before: the colored gradient on the rockwork looks great, as does the rock itself. The watch tower is a neat little summit piece. The usage of the moon piece on the guard's banner also adds a ton of flavor to the build.

I like the story as well. It makes me want to roll a D6 and see if Sejmus can succeed his action of dropping his trousers and laying waste on the steps .

Edit: Forgot to ask, but where are the tiles from you used for the carpet in the background? Some Friends set?

Edited January 3 by Khorne

[evancelt]

Nice job on the gradual lightening of the ground layers!

[Ross Fisher]

4 hours ago, Khorne said:

Forgot to ask, but where are the tiles from you used for the carpet in the background?

It's from the Bag End set. There are a few unique tiles in that set. A couple of carpets and some brickwork. They're all worth investigating. 

@evancelt thanks!

[Dutch Thriceman]

On 1/3/2026 at 6:22 PM, evancelt said:

Nice job on the gradual lightening of the ground layers!

Seconded, a nifty build.