You’re first-time visitors, you reply with a sheepish smile, so how about starting with Umberal’s history? Cheesti nearly jumps out of… well, whatever Chytree have. C-chitin?

“R-R-R-REAAALLLLY!?” She sputters, eyes flashing with excitement! “I-I mean… y-yes, I’d LOVE to show you the exhibits! Ooh, you’re going to have such a wonderful and educational time! Y-you won’t be sorry!”

Noticing Rezzie’s fiery eyes stealing a glance your way, you give your stubble-clad chin a few thoughtful scratches. Why not swing by the Demon exhibit too? Afterwards, that is!

“YES! An excellent idea, sir!” Cries the curator with glee! “Th-they actually go well together! E-err, not to spoil anything, of course! Hehe…”

The Chytree leans in closer with a conspiratorial tone: “Th-the demon exhibit’s my f-favorite, actually… s-such incredible beings…”

T-totally, you nod, trying and failing to avoid Rezalith’s prying stare! S-shall we?

The curator straightens up like a pole with a practiced nod! “Y-yes! At once! A-ahem… W-welcome to the Umberal History Museum! We invite you to take a j-journey with us through the vast annals of history in our proud city… a-and beyond! In the sp-spirit of Umberal ingenuity, we hope you’ll leave these halls today with a wealth of information… a-and an insatiable hunger for knowledge!”

Marching backwards with renewed purpose, Curator Cheesti leads you down a passage you weren’t aware existed–your combined footsteps muffled by a plush carpet guiding you along the path!

“To begin,” The docent squeaks, “The Umberal you currently find yourselves in isn’t the original, oh no! In truth, Umberal's iterations span far beyond those of any settlements to the South! C-care to guess which civilization Umberal first belonged t-”

“The Khorrozeh Empire.” Grunts Rezzie, earning a bewildered stare from everyone in the group!

“P-precisely!” Cheesti nods, eyes gleaming with approval! “Th-the Khorrozeh Empire… populated by a race of highly-intelligent sorcerers and shamans known as the NUGAAL! Thought the N-Nugaal aren’t around these days, their works remain scattered all across Zoral for us to study… a-and it was in this vast and powerful empire that Umberal was first established!”

Pausing to catch her breath, the museum worker stops mid-step towards you with a flicker in her bulbous eyes! “Oh, m-my apologies… I forgot to mention I can offer you all magical sensory aids to better digest exhibit information… W-would you consent to letting me sharing some with you?”

You respond with a blink. Are there actual exhibits, or…?

>CONTD.