Regent of Jade [IC]

[PersonMan]

The sky is clear, an endless blue stretching from the horizon ahead to the slowly-shrinking mountains behind you. For once, neither the dark clouds of the impending winter storms nor plunging temperatures mar any appreciation of the weather - the day is bright, with only a crisp chill in the air rather than the constantly piercing cold of the past weeks. After emerging from the caves, you have spent a handful of days following a simple road leading south, surrounded mostly by fields of hardy grasses and small shrubs. There are frequent signs of the road's popularity; areas of bare earth, dotted with fire pits, are passed every few hours, and any stream or pond near the road is accompanied by a small sign bearing text in a number of languages, declaring the water either safe or unsafe to drink. There are also occasional signposts, each with the same content: the distance to Ordu-Aganhei, and a warning in three languages that banditry is punished by death, followed by 'display of the shameful criminal's head on the walls of the city'.

Your guide, Ulf Gormundr, explains that Ordu-Aganhei is the capital and largest city of Hongal, the northernmost nation of Tian-Xia. Most of its people are nomadic, spending as much time in the saddle as they do on their feet, if not more. Ordu-Aganhei and the roads leading between it, the Crown of the World and the other nations of Tian-Xia are the safest places for outsiders in the region, as the khan's decrees regarding safe travel for traders are harshly enforced. The city itself is a hub of trade during the months the Path of Aganhei is open, but remains busy even during winter due to the thermal springs, which are almost revered by most guides even though the vast majority have never had a chance to enter them - access is strictly controlled by Prince Batsaikhar, the city's ruler, and generally expensive even for those allowed to enter.

As the daylight nears its end, the city rises from the horizon, its walls towering over the flat landscape. A single entrance is visible ahead, a stone tower decorated with colorful banners and bearing a single large gate, around which half a dozen figures stand, though they're still a good distance away, leaving time for final preparations or questions before arrival.

[Hazuki]

"And so we come to civilization," Kedani says as she peers out of the door to get a better look at the city they're approaching. She favors neither city nor the road, but she definitely favors warmth and company after the long journeys they've had thus far. She listens patiently to Ulf's explanation of the city and its place in the world and ndos. "Thank you, Ulf. Let's hope the guards are in a good mood today and let us get to some well-deserved rest."

And with the approach of the city comes potential danger. She focuses on the thought of a still grave, cold earth, and the ever-familiar calm to help bolster her health. Then she cals upon the image of a river that splits against a large rock, the feeling of stubbornness, and feels an intangible force around her. Finally, her outfit changes to one that matches the local styles - not daring to go for nobility, but wealthy and familiar enough for the guards to trust that she knows her business in the area.

She shares a look with Lilkazu, the black-clad Lyrakien who had happily been sitting perched on Zaiobe's lap, and the tiny woman reluctantly hops into the air to hide in one of Kedani's pouches.

"I think I'm all set..." Kedani says, pauses. "No, wait, one more thing!" She leans over to plant a kiss on Zaiobe's cheek, then leans against the open doorframe. "Now I'm ready."

Spoiler: Spells

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Mage Armor, False Life. Lilkazu had her Mage Armor cast this morning.

[Man on Fire]

Upon leaving the wagon Celeste stretches her arms while letting out a long yawn. Having, as usual, practicing her magic until late night she is still not fully waken up yet and certainly not a morning person and still has a half-drank cup of coffee in her hand.

"The sun, my mortal enemy. We meet again." She grumbles to herself, even though she is far from a light-sensitive person. Something dark, something terrible, follows her out of the wagon and gently, slowly, probs her hand, demanding morning scratches behind the ear, which she gracefully provides. Behersha, a terrifying, four-legged shadow of a thing in a vague shape of a wolf, has been her loyal, if unnerving to everyone else, companion. For her it was a good friend, a big puppy that needs some love. For everyone else, it was clear that if she wasn't there this thing would try to kill them all. With some magical gestures, the girl grants both them their usual magical protection and sets off to welcome new daily challenges.

"Morning, Kedani, Ulf, Zaiobe." She greets everyone, especially kind tone reserving for the harpy that has become her good confidant in these days. Behersha greets them all with the usual, hungry "Grrrrrrrrr". At first, Celeste almost sinks in old habits of shyness and restraint but reminds herself a lesson these few moths have hammered - these people are not her enemies and will not chastise her for saying something stupid or failing at anything. "Should I accompany you?" She offers Kedani. "I mean, when you want to make a good impression, an extra pretty face won't hurt...unless it was like, growing from the side of your head, I guess. Or in some other nasty places... I mean imagine faces just getting everywhere, like sand...." She gets lost in her trial of thought.

Spoiler: spells

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Mage Armor on both herself and Behersha

[Daishain]

Aelan comes trotting up from the rear of the caravan where he'd been watching for trouble. As usual, the mageknight he's wearing his family armor, an enchanted set of mithral plate.

Rubbing his horse's neck with a hand, he asks the guide, "What kind of reception can we expect in there? Is the city welcoming to Outsiders?"

[Toliudar]

As has been her usual pattern for the last few days, Nimbus has been a hundred feet up in the air in the mornings and late in the afternoons, coming down only for a few hours in the middle of the day to share lunch, rest and chat in the back of the wagon. On the most recent of these visits, she spoke at length about the care and beauty of the landscape around them.

"It's hard not get excited about Ordu-Aganhei, after all this time travelling."

She looked fondly over at the women and men with whom she had entrusted her life these past weeks, through all of the trials, setbacks and revelations. It was unusual to trust so quickly. But these were good folk.

--

Now, come evening, Nimbus lands in the wagon again, and dusts herself off in preparation for their entry into Ordu-Aganhei. Making sure that her thick shield is strapped to her back, she squares her shoulders and prepares for the next stage.

Spoiler: OOC

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She normally scouts in eagle form during the day. As they prepare to enter the city, Nimbus will cast Greater Magic Fang and Barkskin on herself.

[PersonMan]

Zaiobe's silent mental voice carries a familiar note of amusement. The most vital part of any preparation. The harpy stays settled beside Kedani, remaining as the caravan arrives as well, either too comfortable in her quilt to want to leave it, or cautious of the potential impression her wings could make on the guards.

"Generally, yes. As long as you're careful to follow the Prince's laws," Ulf replies, though a frown on his face betrays that what comes next won't be good. "But we started very late - it's incredibly rare for someone to arrive so late in the season. They might think we're disguised bandits, or other troublemakers, who have captured a caravan."

As the group approaches the gates, the guards shift into more alert postures, and soon they come forwards, leaving their spots just by the gate. Their expressions don't bode well, and the one in front asks a barrage of questions in Tien while the others move to inspect the various carts. They work quickly, kicking up dust with their rapid movements from one to the other, but maintain an air of politeness - they seem adept at using nods, pointing and small bows to get across requests and pleasantries even to those who don't speak a word of Tien. The one asking the questions is less pleasant. While he avoids any outright impoliteness or direct implications, it soon becomes clear that his numerous pointed questions are coming from a place of deep suspicion. Kedani is able to successfully deal with the major suspicions, but the guard seems absurdly stubborn, offering reason after reason why the group might not be able to enter the city, and would need to make camp in the caravanserai outside its walls.

As the inspection itself comes to a close - prompting another set of highly specific questions from the lead guard - the gate rumbles into motion, opening up to reveal two figures who quickly come forwards, prompting the guards to turn from the caravan to them. One of the figures is a man dressed in dark robes, who strides forwards without a glance at the guards, who drop to one knee as he approaches. The second stays further away, and is encased in a suit of armor that makes description beyond 'humanoid' and 'tall, probably muscular' pointless. Of note is the style of armor; rather than being the same sort as that of the guards, it's a familiar suit of Avistani plate, though the swords at their side are the curved sort more common to Tian-Xia. As the armored one watches silently, the man reaches what seems to be his destination in front of the party and clears his throat.

The man then proceeds to fall to his knees, then bend forwards, prostrating himself before the group.

"Honored guests! I bid you welcome! Welcome! And three welcomes more! Please, pay these simpering fools no mind - they and their insolence are unworthy of your attention. Prince Batsaikhar, golden orb of sunlight at the black portal of barbarism, welcomes you to Ordu-Aganhei, the City at the Edge of the World. He, in all his wise grace, invites his honored guests to his humble palace to dine, rest, partake in polite conversation and, perhaps, indulge in some pleasure. I bring the golden Prince's word: he hopes that you will honor him with your clever speech from strange lands, a speech he and those of the palace have mastered. He is eager to hear of your journey across the Crown of the World in this most difficult time of travel."

At the end of the man's speech, the armored figure makes a shallow bow, turns and leaves, re-entering the city while the man remains on the ground, seemingly awaiting a reply.

[Hazuki]

"They were no trouble at all. I've only respect for those doing their job properly," Kedani replies to the man with a smile and in Tian before switching to Common for the sake of her comrades. "I'd love to see the palace! But whyever are we being invited? We were expecting to have to pay for lodgings at an inn, stables, and so forth!" She laughs. "Not to receive a, quite literal, royal welcome!"

Meanwhile, Lilkazu peeks out of her pouch, just to make sure she has a solid understanding of what's going on.

Spoiler: OOC

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Going to be using Diplomacy, taking 10 for 34, to make this guy like us over the course of this interaction.

[Daishain]

Aelan dismounts as the guards make it clear they're searching the caravan. He freely cooperates with them, but keeps a watchful eye out for any shenanigans on the part of the guards.

He frowns as the guards are dismissed by the important looking man and his armored escort. He quickly turns the frown into an impassive mask as the emissary greets them like members of the nobility. The guards acting suspiciously could be handled. That was their job. This sort of attention though... this smelled of trouble. This smelled of the deceitful intrigue that had plagued his home, and ultimately led to his banishment. It was too late to do anything about that though, too late even to warn Kedani to be more cautious with her words.

He rests a hand on the pommel of his sword, asking Lament over their link, "What do you think of this? How likely is it that anyone other than agents of our enemy would already know our purpose here?"

[PersonMan]

Spoiler: Aelan

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Unlikely. The graspers would seek to report success after victory - and are now silent. The blade replies.

The man picks himself up slowly, beginning his reply only once he has returned to his feet. "We are humbled and thankful for your merciful temperament," he says, with another bow - a gesture the guards repeat. The man's Common is accented, but the edge has been ground off, hinting at either a great deal of practice or regular usage. "Unfortunately, and with heavy heart, I must report that I know not the mind of our great Prince, only his words."

[Hazuki]

"I see." Kedani smiles brightly. "We'll be happy to join you. Give us some time to get our caravan settled and we will be with you as soon as we can."

[Toliudar]

Nimbus

The windblown dwarf arches an eyebrow at the warmth of their welcome. To be sure, a fine meal and a warm place to **** seems like a fine thing, even to one so accustomed to living out in the open. Especially given the long stretch of their travels. Still, it was hard not to feel suspicions, churlish though that reaction might be.

She glanced around at her companions warily.

"I don't suppose any of you have a magic shower? I'm not sure I'm quite ready for royalty."

Spoiler: Statblock

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Nimbus (born Chalcedony Hammerfist)
Female Neutral (tending G) Dwarf Druid, Level 10, Init 4, HP 89/79, Speed 20
AC 19, Touch 12, Flat-footed 17, CMD 21, Fort 10, Ref 5, Will 15, CMB +9/+4, Base Attack Bonus 7/2
Dagger (1) +9/+4 (1d4+1, 19-20)
MW Hide Armour, Wild Enhancement +1 Heavy Wooden Shield (+4 Armor, +3 Shield, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 14, Wis 26, Cha 9
Condition Greater Magic Fang

[Daishain]

Aelan holds up a faintly glowing hand and passes it slowly over his sleeve, cleaning off a bit of dirt before offering the same to Nimbus.

Spoiler: OOC

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Standard Prestidigitation cleaning at your service. I suspect at least one other person in the group has the cantrip, so we can probably clean up fairly quickly.

[Toliudar]

Nimbus grunts appreciatively at Aelan's ministrations.

"Right. Let's go meet the Prince. Emperor. Whosis."

[Man on Fire]

"When I woke up I was expecting many things, but not that I'll be a guest of a Prince himself today." Celeste confesses to her comrades, scratching Behersha's shadowy form behind the ear to calm the aggressive best and keep it from growling at everyone and everything. "Behersha tells me they' honest but you know, better to keep our guard open and our eyes up....wait." She whispers to Kedani before realizing she confused metaphors.

[PersonMan]

"Very well," the man says, giving another bow. This time, the guards don't join in. "I shall bring word to the Prince. The way to the palace should be clear - however, if aid should be desired, any local shall provide it. Shall any prove disrespectful and wish to refuse aid, merely mentioning the reason for your request should ensure such behavior ceases."

With that said, the man turns, leaving you at the now-open gate. The way to the caravanserai - Ulf knows it, allowing for an easy journey even without pausing to ask for directions - is calm, in terms of events. What lines the streets as the party passes, however, is a far cry from the usual fare of wilderness or nondescript tundra. Ordu-Aganhei is a bustling city, even this late in the season of cross-Crown trade. It's also an odd city; the sides of the street are crowded with vendors hawking unusual foods from carts, performers walking on coals, small shrines which fill the air with an odd, heady smell from the slowly-burning sticks set into them. The street itself is incredibly clean for one in such a busy city, and hundreds of small, colorful flags flutter from the many windows and rooftops above. The air is full of sound. Speech dominates, the Tien language washing over the group and never leaving, though a mishmash of other tongues are present as well, sticking out from the general sound of the city in short bursts.

Before long, the caravan's route leaves the busier streets, approaching the walls from the other side this time. Nestled along it are several similar structures, squat buildings centered on courtyards where a caravan's worth of carts and goods can be gathered within the safety of its walls. There are sufficient, if humble, lodgings for all those not going to the palace, though that raises the question, as the group is assembled by one of the carts, of just who that includes. Ulf and the other caravan aids are content - and several prefer - to simply stay in the caravanserai. Ameiko seems to expect to be coming along, while Zaiobe is equally curious about the caravanserai as she is the palace.

[Daishain]

Aelan speaks lowly for his companions, "Just a thought, it seems they've heard of our coming, and know at least something of our purpose. Who other than agents of our enemy could have passed the word along? Be careful"

The elf encourages Ameiko to come along, after all they could use a guide that knows the place. He stays silent on the question of Zaiobe. He thinks she'd be safer staying behind, but has no desire to limit the freedom of one who has had to deal with so much.

[Hazuki]

"It pains me to say it, but I think staying here would be best," Kedani tells Zaiobe softly. "If something goes wrong here, you're the quickest person and the surest way to let us know."

[Man on Fire]

"Look at this from the bright side." Celeste tries to comfort both Kedani and Zaiobe, not able to bear seeing her friends distraught. "If we're gonna be ambushed or poisoned at least Zaiobe will be safe." She gives an awkward smile, not really realizing how morbid what she just said sounds. If Zaiobe allows it, she gently places her hand at the harpy's arm. "I'd leave Behersha at your side but something tells me I may need them more. Please stay safe and keep everyone in the caravan safe too. Once we're back we will go explore this place together, all three of us." She says, giving a friendly look to Kedani. Behersha, in turn, growls hungrily.

"We should probably prepare, a formal visit like this requires we look our most presentable." Celeste suggests.

[Daishain]

Aelan nods at Celeste's suggestion to prepare, and starts going through his pack, fishing out a grooming kit and a carefully folded tabard. He spends some time fixing his hair, and then the tabard, pale blue slashed with silver, goes over his armor. A few more adjustments, and a little more work with the cleaning cantrip, and the elf nods with satisfaction, "Short of buying noble attire in the markets here, I think that is about as good as I am going to get."

[PersonMan]

Zaiobe looks into Kedani's eyes for a few moments after she speaks, turning away only as Celeste adds her own thoughts. Then I will stay. The harpy replies, her telepathic 'voice' reaching into the minds of all present. Be safe as well. Do not drink any poison or eat anything picked from an am-bush. Zaiobe's face is still, with no sign of whether her thought-wordplay is intentional or a genuine instance of a hole in knowledge left by her amnesia.

After a moment, she turns back to Kedani, smiling. Do not tire yourself out with too much conversation. I will have many questions when you return. She thinks to her, this time only including her in the link, before pulling her in for a hug and kiss on the cheek.

"I'll do my best, but keep in mind this is Hongal, not Minkai," Ameiko says as she readies herself. "So there may still be a few...cultural differences, when it comes to proper manners."

Spoiler: OOC

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It seems like everyone's set, but before I move us along I want to give folks a day or so to say anything, in the Discord or elsewhere, about doing anything else before moving along, or about specific preparations.

[Hazuki]

"I've been building up my reserves for the entire trip. I will have enough words for at least two days," Kedani replies with a matching smile, then turns to Ameiko. "Have you got your usual defenses? We want to be prepared in case a...food fight breaks out.

[Man on Fire]

"I'm taking Behersha, so there is that." Celeste pets her murderous monster. "We should all look presentable...I think we may be low on supplies for that but if we work together we could make one hell of a good first impression." She then starts looking through their things, trying to find anything that she could use to make their outfits stunning.

[PersonMan]

Ameiko replies positively to Kedani's question, and after a bit more preparation, the group exits the caravanserai, re-emerging into the bustling streets. The colors, smells and sounds are just as vibrant as before, perhaps moreso now that there's no distance provided by the carts or horses. The crowd keeps moving enough to not be a problem, though the way to the palace reveals itself to be longer than anticipated. What seem to be the best streets wind and turn, leading into areas surrounded by high buildings that make navigation more difficult; despite this, though, the group finds their destination before too long. The palace flanks a clearly managed patch of relative wilderness itself surrounding a lake, an island of calm within the busy city as a handful of quiet figures move through, pausing to pick up fallen branches and tending to the colorful flowers that still bloom.

Arriving at the palace gate, the group doesn't even have to speak before the guards bow, the doors open, and servants emerge to lead the way further inside. The building is warm, the walls adorned with carved wooden decorations that turn to numerous wide paintings of landscapes and galloping horses when the winding hallways eventually turn towards a large chamber. The air in the room is warm, and moist - steam rises from a pool of water in the center of the massive chamber, which is at least two hundred feet across, its actual size hidden by gardens of flowering orchids, halfling-sized trees rising from carved stone, shoots of bamboo and a dazzling array of fluttering prayer flags that hang from an unseen ceiling. Herons swoops through the air, accompanied by the sounds of other, hidden birds and the soft notes of music played by similarly-unseen musicians.

A set of stairs leads up to a platform dominated by a massive bed and several large, soft chairs. Surrounding them are collections of curios laid out on large glass tables, screens painted with various scenes and figures, ranging from what look like depictions of mythological events (one shows what seems to be Earthfall) to subjects in states of undress that would scandalize most Avistani courts. Smaller tables of food and drink slowly drift across the platform on the backs of dark green turtles, moving between two finely-dressed individuals each shadowed by an armed, armored guard - one in full, crimson samurai armor and the other in the Avistani plate the group recognizes from the gate. The former stands beside the bed, on which a large smiling man rests, a crown sitting slightly crookedly atop his head as he shifts forwards, layers of lavishly decorated silk covering him in vibrant colors that compete for notice with the half-dozen rings he wears. The other figure is a woman, seated beside where the second guard stands. Where the man's eyes have a slightly unfocused quality, hers are sharp, jumping to the group as she smiles herself, leaning forwards in her seat; unlike the man, she's wearing much more practical clothing. Dark leather, embroidered but otherwise undecorated, black boots, sturdy brown pants - were it not for the gold and gemstones tied around her hair and resting atop her forehead as a circlet, her entire attire could have been less expensive than the jewelry on the man's fingers.

"My Prince! Oh, golden orb of sunlight resting at the black portal of barbarism, sun of wisdom and grace, I announce the arrival of the honored guests!" One servant announces in accented Taldane, before prostrating himself for a few moments, rising, turning, bowing low first to the woman, then the group, then leaving.

"Excellent!" The prince says, rising finally to a seated position. His Taldane is the best of those you've heard so far. "My guests, I am honored to finally welcome you in person, to my humble city of Ordu-Aganhei and my own humble palace. To my subjects, I am Prince Batsaikhar, golden orb of sunlight at the black portal of barbarism - but with such esteemed guests I believe overly formal manners to be unnecessary. Prince shall suffice," he proclaims, voice booming as he pauses to laugh, before turning to the woman. "This is my niece, Narantuyaa, rider of dark blood and admirer of the strange lands across the Crown of the World." The woman nods, smirking before speaking herself.

"Speak of me freely," she says, her accent a mix of that of the others with a distinctly Chelish slant. "There is no dark blood here, and I am of no gilded tongue. Call me Nara, if it please you," she nods again, seeming pleased with herself.

[Hazuki]

Kedani uses her sleeves to change her outfit into something fitting the local fashion - something the local, wealthy merchants might wear rather than anything ostentatious. She doesn't want to seem to make a challenge to the Prince, after all.

As they're led through the palace proper, Kedani considers two things. One is that it's particularly impressive, a great deal of craftsmanship has clearly gone into it, and a lot of wealth. The other is that...both of those things are true and no doubt done at the whims of the man they're about to meet. A leader who surrounds himself with something like this certainly doesn't have a poor opinion of himself, regardless of how he acquired his lavish surroundings.

"It is an honor to meet you, Prince. And you as well, Nara." Kedani bows to both of them. "It is an privilege to be invited to your palace. I am Kedani." She introduces the rest of the group should they not wish to do so themselves. "To what do we owe this honor?

[Daishain]

Aelan stands at attention while Kedani addresses the prince. Most of his attention is spent evaluating those surrounding the prince rather than the noble himself. If they meant harm, chances are it would be a servant or guard to give it away, not the noble himself.

[Toliudar]

Nimbus is a bit gobsmacked by the entire experience of such ostentatious displays of wealth and power, and by the prospect of meeting actual royalty. It's only her inherent dwarfishness that keeps her from instinctively bowing every five seconds.

"Oh, uh, yeah, likewise, both of you."

She immediately has a good vibe from Nara, and steps forward, hesitantly at first, to examine the woman's traveling clothes. And grunts approvingly at their sensible cut and utility.

[Man on Fire]

Celeste, who has spent the most effort among everyone to get her dress as presentable as possible and who has spent the most time trying to compose herself and mentally prepare, running dozens upon dozens of scenarios what could go wrong, is clearly taken aback by the lavish riches on display in the palace. A keen eye and ear can even spot her averting nervously her gaze and whispering to herself "Don't look at naked people.".

in the presence of the Prince and Nara, she decides to make a respectful bow and speak with a humble voice. "My name is Celeste Von Crow and I too am honored to be a subject to your hospitality, Prince and Nara. To be in presence of such great people and in such an...overwhelming place is an unforgettable experience."

[PersonMan]

Both bodyguards are all but motionless - if they notice or return Aelan's attention, their armor hides it well. The Prince nods happily at each introduction, and Narantuyaa seems pleased when Nimbus steps forwards, shifting in her seat to aid in the dwarf's examination.

"To your tales and triumphs!" The Prince says in response to Kedani's question, laughing. "When word reached us, of your successful traversal of the Crown of the World so late in the season, our interest was raised. My own, on account of the doubtlessly numerous perils you must have faced along the way, and Narantuyaa's on account of her great interest in the lands you hail from." He smiles. "We would extend further invitation - stay in the palace, join us for the Great Feasts of Hongal and be honored guests! We shall ensure you find anything you might need to continue your journey, to allow you to relax and enjoy the pleasures of Ordu-Aganhei after such a lengthy, arduous journey."

Narantuyaa is silent, but both Kedani and Nimbus can sense her anticipation.

[Hazuki]

"So your envoy told us! I can't help wondering how you heard of us so quickly - we made for civilization as quickly as we could, only to find that we were outpaced," Kedani says, feigning naivete and confusion. Of course there's something shady going on here, but to challenge him on it would be unwise at best.

[Daishain]

Aelan finally speaks, giving a formal bow. "Thank you, highness, for your hospitality."