As you travel, you see a humanoid silhouette in the distance. It appears stationary as you creep closer. You are wary of the potential for ambush, especially after a second silhouette becomes revealed. Then another figure. Then another. None are moving and none seem to notice you. They stand like statues at attention. Arriving closer reveals how accurate this observation was. The figure, in fact, all of the figures, appear to be porcelain statues in the shape of warriors.
The first figure appears to be made of a kind of glazed ceramic material. A hand-painted glossy finish colors the statue, providing a striking amount of detail and dynamism. A doublet covers the chest while pantaloons and military boots cover the lower half. A helmet of some sort is held in his left hand, while the right hand holds the hilt of a scabbarded sword at his side. The pottery soldier’s face is painted with a fine mustache and slicked back black hair. His eyes stare lidlessly, endlessly.
Looking around the area you see at least two dozen other porcelain warriors scattered about. Some still stand while others lay on the ground. Many of these brittle fellows have suffered wounds in the line of their eternal duty. Shattered body parts lay next to blank-faced men and women who pay no attention to their absence. Fragments jut out of the earth, undergrowth and moss obscure the rest.
What do you do?
- Study the statues. Perhaps there is insight to be gained from some impromptu archeology.
- Start digging. There are signs that more may be hidden underground, perhaps something of value these soldiers guard.
- Smash them. You do not like these statues; their smug aura mocks you.
