Quoted By:
You are good at weighing out the consequences of actions socially. You've trained in the art of influencing people and attaining power through convincing stakeholders that your ambitions and goals are to their benefit. Most of the time, it's actually even true! That being said, there are limits.
One of the hardest lessons you learned was that you can't please everyone.
Another is that choices have consequences.
What applies to humans applies to Baphomets.
There is no good choice that makes everyone happy.
If you go, it's clear that the Castle Dwellers won't be happy at the loss of a reliable Gate, particularly the Guides. To a certain extent, you sense that they are reluctant to allow you to go back into danger too. After all, it's been less than two weeks since they got a King. And it's a King who has taken an interest in restoring Camelot.
If you don't go, the Longship Meeps will be displeased you made no attempt to rescue the warriors who accompanied you. Despite their small numbers, they aren't a faction you want to alienate. They'll remember how you left your own vassals behind after leading them into danger. Given what you've seen from their warriors at the haunted manor, you are determined to get their allegiance.
The last option offered by Yatagarasu neatly avoids angering the Longship Meeps faction and your own faction. The only problem? You have to gamble that the Perilous Gate feels merciful and lets you arrive where you need to be. Losing the bet means you are thrown into an even greater danger that can potentially kill you.
Wait, you have <span class="mu-r">That's Nothing</span>. Will it trigger if the Perilous Gate chucks you into a volcano and insta-kills you? Hm, so you might not die. Of course, it's very likely that it'll kill Yatagarasu if the bet goes bad. You like your loyal patient Guide!
The Brother Brass Gate gleams in the morning sun. Knowing its unique feature of reliably depositing Questers in safe and abandoned spots with no mundane witnesses in the World is highly valuable. You don't want to lose it.
You've made your decision.
"Take me to the Perilous Gate. We'll use it instead."
"Meep. Then follow me!" Yatagarasu says this and trots to an overgrown section of the Garden. Wildflowers bloom riotously, a carpet of color and scents.
Hanbei frets over your decision like a worried mother.
"Your Majesty, surely you need not take such a reckless decision. Why, it can kill you!"
You laugh bitterly. You have already died once. It must be true that Perilous Gate is deadly because neither the Castle Dwellers nor Longship Meeps dare step forward to accompany you.
<span class="mu-r">"Kings are made for honour, not for a long life."</span> You declare with cheer. In reality, your heart sinks at the thought of risking life and limb once again. Indeed, your hands are shaking, but the Black Cloak hides them beneath its voluminous blackness.
