Ehren studies the map closely and recalls what he knows about Rahadoum's terrain and climate, trying to determine the fastest, most direct route they could take to get to Azir safely. Given their capabilities, he knows they can travel by land or air, and that they can the means to overcome most of the issues that accompany long-distance travel.
Xander nods to Obo. "Thank you for your help, Obo. You are right. Smuggling Ary into the city is going to be the most difficult thing, even absent that we must travel 150 miles in order to get there. I believe our plan was to go by ship, but I don't think we can all sail right up to the gates. If it's true that a cleric's aura will give us away, we must sneak into the city."
He stands, putting his hands on the table while he surveys the map. "I believe I can get myself and three others into the city by way of teleportation, if we can have a destination in mind. I could bring Ary and Unafe at least, who I imagine will have trouble getting in through the front door. Ehren is capable of scrying, so perhaps that's the best way to divine a destination location."
"We could prepare our magic on the boat ride over, yes?" Having an additional realization, Xander rubs his forehead with his palm. "And even if we do manage to get into the city without being caught, we still must locate the Adepts' lair, which will be hidden. This is a real problem."
"I suggest we take the boat to a location nearby the city, where we disembark. We smuggle ourselves into Azir, and we find someplace hidden to rest and prepare ourselves for finding the Adepts' lair."
"By way of the Inner Sea through the Arch of Aroden, it would be a six day voyage to Azir," Obo responds to Hinagiku.
The most direct route is by land, which is approximately 200 miles across desert, as shown on the map.
Obo shrugs at Xanderghul. "I will not call to arrest you for what you do, if that is what you are asking. But I would be careful, they say the Legionnaires can sense even traces of powerful divine magic, sometimes even days after the magic has been cast. It is not as if they would arrest you for simply being religious, but divine magic and worship is strictly prohibited by the First Law of Man."
He leans back in his seat and nods along with Xanderghul's plan. "That plan works well with me. If this is what you wish to do, you can disembark once you say you are ready."
Isilme is frustrated when she hears use of a boat discussed after realizing the trip would take nearly a week. Such a delay was completely unacceptable.
"We cannot afford to waste six days on a boat, we traveled much more quickly on the Long Walk, and we can certainly do so here. We could surely make the journey in under a day if we did so by air. Additionally I think we would do best staying outside the city proper so as to avoid attention. It will be significantly easier for us to remain undetected in the outskirts."
"The usual, then," Ehren agrees, with only a tinge of reluctance. As much as he has grown to dislike his role as de facto party transport, knows better than to complain when there is so much on the line. "If I fly us there, we should be able to reach Azir within the day. We can devote more of our energy to figuring out how to enter the city proper. Do you anticipate any problems with that plan, Obo?"
"Entering the city without using one of the main gates or through the Port Authority is illegal, so I wouldn't get caught flying into the city. There won't be much other than merchants traveling the main roads," says Obo, before placing another section of orange in his mouth.
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"Hnrm," Xander adds with a frown and a goatee twirl (which he finds reminds him he no longer has a goatee). "You're right. That is too slow. It is Heron Ehren, then, hmm?"
Ehren grimaces and then nods. "We will just take care to enter the city on foot."
The heroes take flight out of Manaket on the back of Ehren in the form of an enormous heron. They fly with the winds at their backs, moving across the white sands of Rahadoum over the course of a mere day. It is just after nightfall when they see the lights of Azir in the distance. Flickering lights still illuminate the metropolis of Azir, even after the sun sets. Azir is surrounded by farmlands that grow crops off the fertile banks of the Jodin River.
It grows very cold in the desert night, only accentuating the strange juxtaposition of salty sea air and dry desert air. At this hour, most caravans are leaving Azir for remote village homes, but the city streets are still busy with people. At the moment, the heroes fly on Ehren's back, high in the night's sky. The skies are clear, and the moon is a mere sliver in the sky.
The terrain is flat here, without much vegetation to speak of. Beyond Azir, the desert stretches beyond what the eye can see.
"Bring us down a few miles outside the city,' she calls to Ehren through the magic. They'd need to be extra cautious in approaching the city, especially with Ary and Unafe literally glowing in the dark. Isilme scouts the terrain, looking for any sign of outcroppings or dunes that might provide them some shelter from passers-by. "Everyone look for some sort of cover we could use to help hide where we are operating out of."
The roads a few miles out from the city lead to various farmhomes, spread out from one another to allow for an expanse of crops. Beyond the farmland the fertile land abruptly transitions to desert.
"I don't see anything obvious, but at least we could head out into the desert a few miles out. It would at least lessen the likely hood of people wandering by," she says after looking about for a clear landing location.
Valais huddles close to Ehren's neck, gripping onto his feathers as tight as she can. "I'm in favor of landing as soon as possible, thanks!"
"Best that we land somewhere we are less likely to be seen," Ehren agrees, his words mumbled out of his large, spear-like beak. His spell spared him from the rigorous task of flapping his immense wings innumerable times, but as usual, he would much rather have his feet back on solid ground.
The heroes fly a few miles out into the desert, and then land. They see no living things out here, save for a snake, which coils up when it sees them and attempts to look threatening. The sand continues on eastwards beyond their line of sight.
Isilme hops off the giant bird onto the ground and stretches out, reverting to her new half-orc form from the gnomish form she prefered while travelling atop Ehren or for skulking about. "Shall we set up camp here? Xander and I could make a brief foray into the city disguised to get a feel for where the brothel is. What do you think, Xander?"
Lann steps uncertainly out onto the shifting sands. "Ok. Then what should we do in the meantime while you're gone?"
Once everyone has disembarked, Ehren reverts to human form and rolls his neck around. Wasting no time, he kneels down and begins to draw a circle on the sand with a fingertip.
"Try to remember where this spot is," he instructs everyone as he closes the circle and imbues it with his magic. The circle briefly glows and then shifts aside, exposing a dark, vertical shaft. Inevitably, sand slowly spills into the cavity from the sides of the open portal. "No one else is likely to find it unless they are already on our trail."
"I don't like the idea of sitting around doing nothing, but since we rushed to get this far, it would behoove us to proceed cautiously."
Ary had only snacked on the fruit and mostly stayed silent during the conversation with Obo. The fact that who she was was something illegal in Rahadoum was extremely bothersome. She had convinced herself that she would do everything in her power to be respectful of other nations' choices... and yet here she was.
Even with her friends being in need, she had been tempted to bow out, realizing that she would be a detriment to their ability to move about unseen... but a glance towards Isilme refilled her guilt reservoir and pushed her to just do her best to be quiet.
Assuming he's willing to share his tailwind, Ary flies along just behind Ehren, their speeds synching up much better than before, happy to carry one of the others for as long as was reasonably comfortable for the Crusader - if they were willing. As soon as she sees the lights in the distance, she tries to pull herself in... having never had the opportunity to try before, and uncertain of how it would go.
"Do we know how far away your hideaway could be seen from with divination magic? Could we simply hide in an illusion to keep from doing so?" the Crusader asks quietly.
"That would depend on what divination is being used," Ehren replies. "The simpler ones I am familiar with do not reach very far. Hardly suitable for combing the desert."
Unafe sniffs the brown bitter-smelling drink with suspicion. She gives it one sip and decides she's not that thirsty.
When the conversation is rapping up with Odo, she asks one question. "Thank you for your time. Before we go, one question please to make sure I understand. I've heard that the Green isn't banned by this 'First Law of Man'. Is a druid allowed to cast divine magic here, so long as their source is the Green, and not the Gods? What of a shaman who calls on her ancestors?"
As she asks the latter, she glances apprehensively at the spirits that are lazily swirling around her.
Hinagiku is glad that Ehren is the one to mention the large bird transformation. Anyone else mentioning it first would have made him even more reluctant to use his power. Once they are out and preparing to fly off, she thanks her boyfriend and also gifts him a smile.
Just like most of the others, flying on a giant bird is not her favored mode of transportation, though the first hour is not so bad, unbeknownst to her, the coffee’s effect keeps her aware and awake. As such, she is able to enjoy the sights of the plains of sand. She had only heard tales of seas of sand, but to see them was truly impressive. As the drink’s effect subside, Hinagiku is forced to focus all her attention on grabing to Ehren’s back.
At Ehren’s instruction, Hinagiku tries to memorize the location of the hideaway. She looks around, for landmarks, but all there is is sand, and mounds of sand that all look alike.
”We might need more than just memorizing the place. Maybe one of us could keep watch from here when someone else is away. ”
”Mrs. Isilme, are you certain you and Mr. Xanderghul should go alone? I know I am not the best at hiding, or looking inconspicuous, but I think we would have a more balanced team if I were to come. ”
Xander has already voiced his dislike of riding on Ehren many times, but it really was the best option for emergency overland travel. He just clings on the best that he can while they spend a day soaring across the sand and jumps down to the ground the second they are able to land. He brushes the sand off of his robes, nodding affirmation to Isilme. "I agree that we should go into the city. I would suggest that we all go, but I honestly don't have many good ideas regarding getting our other compatriots into the city."
"I am worried about our aura. We all have one, and it could arouse suspicion in our hosts." He withdraws a wand from his belt. "It's not a perfect solution, but this should help us get through customs, if that's the route we want to take. We could pose as tardy merchants, given the time. We could also sneak in, invisible."
When Hinagiku offers to come, he smiles and nods. "I'd be happy to have you along, Hinagiku. Do you think you can lie?"
Lann bids Hinagiku, Xander, and Isilme farewell. "Please be careful!" he says, waving them off. He turns and descends into Ehren's hideaway, resolving to make himself as comfortable as possible in a lodge made of sand.
Obo shakes his head at Unafe. "Divine Magic is forbidden within Rahadoum. In the Cities of Man, only that which is attributed to mortal hands and will is permitted here." He spreads his hands. "Beyond that, however, one is free to believe as one wishes."
"I can lie, but I would rather not.... and even if I did, it would not be convincing. But some say silence can be the greatest lie, so I can simply follow you two and avoid speaking." Hinagiku answers to Xanderghul.
Before leaving, Hinagiku opens her messenger bag and hands to Ehren all the holy items she can find, including her holy symbol, the horn of goodness, and a series of holy books from different religions.
And, with that done, Hinagiku nods goodbye to the others, with one directed at Lann.
"Perhaps it would be better if you did some scouting outside town at first, see if there's an easy way into their sewers," Isilme suggests. "We should keep the number of people down for this first trip, I just want to get a feel for the city and where the brothel is without attracting any attention."
"That is fine Hinagiku, as long as we're covered by Xander's spell we should be alright. I'd prefer to go through the main gate, though we should avoid taking anything special with us. Posing as traders might work, but we have no wagon or anything which might raise questions. We could just be travelers looking for work, that might be easier to get them to accept."
Isilme bundles her things together and hands them over to Ary, only taking her bag and basic gear. She also leaves behind her armor, shield, ioun stone and Cygnus as well. It was stressful to leave it behind, as after her bargain with Desna post reincarnation ritual, she depended upon the sword to be anything more than a powerful cleric of her Lady Starsong. "Watch over those if you could Ary, we will be back soon."
Once Xander has cast upon himself and Hinagiku, Isilme borrows the wand to cast nondetection on herself as well. "Shall we go?"
Ary nods to Isilme, "Hopefully we won't have to go into the city at all. If we have to hide our belongings out here and fight the people who took down Riftwardens... we'll be in a poor situation." she says as she carefully tucks the things the others are giving her away, each bundled separately.
"If the time to the city is short enough, I can link us with a long distance spell, but it might be detectable as divine in nature. What do you think?"
Xander uses his wand of nondetection to abjure Hinagiku against divination magic, and then hands it to Isilme so that she can cast it on herself as well. Then he pulls out the thriae honey that they got from Heaven. While not technically a divine item, it was from Heaven and better to be safe from sorry. He hands it to Ehren to store in the bag of holding, for he knew the druid would be able to smuggle their things into the city.
"We'll try to find a way to bring you into the city soon," he tells his friends, before leaving.
On the road to the city, Xander explains his plan. He still hasn't thought of a way to get Unafe and Ary into the city, nor is he very confident about Hinagiku, but he trusts them to be able to figure it out for themselves. "I think we should go as separate groups. As a Pathfinder, I believe I have a legitimate right to be in the city, so I can enter first with no disguise. Pathfinders are permitted to use divine magic, so my aura shouldn't be a problem as long as I refrain from any divine magic outside of sanctioned ruins. You two can enter as a pair behind me, and we can meet in the first city square beyond the gates if we're successful."
If there are no objections, Xander speeds his walk so that he is ahead of the group and beelines for the gates.
"Don't worry Ary, we'll be in and out in no time. No one is expecting us to arrive. We should avoid using any unnecessary divine magic for now just to be extra cautious," she says, trying to reassure her that they'd be fine without the bond, though in any other case it would be a fantastic ability to make use of for infiltrating.
"That's fine Xander, just be careful, alright?" she says, knowing he was more than capable of handling entering the city himself. And if anyone would get an allowance for having some divine aspect, a Pathfinder would likely be it.
"I will let them know you have a vow of silence," she says turning to Hinagiku after Xander's gone ahead. She then shifts her form to that of a black-haired human female.
Xanderghul, Isilme, and Hinagiku walk out from the desert and back towards the fertile riverbed. They pass fields of wheat and sorghum, interspersed by small farmhouses. Finally they reach a set of roads that eventually lead to the main thoroughfare that goes in and out of Azir after about an hour of walking.
During the daylight hours the main gates of Azir have immensely long lines of merchant caravans awaiting entry into the city. At night, the line is very short. The gate house is manned by a dozen Legionnaires, each wearing white-and-gold garb. Most have white and gold headwraps, either wrapped around their faces or loose around their necks - a necessary addition in the desert to keep out the sand.
Xander and the others get in line and wait their turn. After fifteen minutes wait, Xander reaches the front of the line.
The Pure Legionnaire at the table looks at Xander from head to toe. "What is your name and purpose for entering Azir?" he asks. "Please present all bags and containers onto the table to be searched for contraband."
Hinagiku, now without her blindfold, nods silently back at Isilme. That did seem like the simplest and most effective way to pass through the guards without lying.
But there was one more thing she needed to make sure off. Covering her mouth and face with her hand and sleeve, Hinagiku whispers through the message spell to Isilme:
"Should I dismiss the threads that allow me to see withotu seeing or will the spell you cast on me hide them?"
"I would not risk any extra magic that might raise questions. The protection is not absolute," Isilme whispers back.
Watching Xander ahead, she takes her bow and pack off, preparing to have them inspected. Just two travelers looking for a place to stay while looking for their next jobs, she thinks to herself. Simple cover stories were always better than complex ones, as the increased complexity meant having to have answers for strange corner cases as well, which might attract still further questioning.
Lowering her hand, Hinagiku nods onces more to Isilme and lets go of her sensory connection to the surrounding essence. Her eyes flutter a few time as her vision adjusts to the surrounding darkness and the limited nature of kitsuen senses.
Xander lays his haversack on the table, followed by his utility belt containing his potions and wands. He flashes a grin at the Legionnaires. He didn't want to implicate Obo, but it was the best cover he had. "Xander, a Pathfinder on assignment from Manaket. Here to interview a lead." It was as close to the truth as he could get, and he hoped that they wouldn't question him too much further.
His gear presented, he crosses his arms and taps a foot as he waits for the security officers to go through his things.
"Welcome to Azir, Xander," says the Purity Legionnaire, though he doesn't sound very sincere in it. He gives Xander a piercing look, scanning him up and down. It wasn't a strange sensation for him - it was otherwise identical to the screenings done at the Drezen city gates looking for demonic worshippers or demons in human disguise. "Are you a cleric?" he asks, noticing his aura.
Meanwhile, another Legionnaire ruffles through his stuff, while another circles Xander, peering closely at his body in search of magical auras. Given that Xander carries a large amount of magical items on his person, it takes a long time to sort and screen all of them.
"The staff is divine contraband. Surrender it immediately," says the woman standing next to Xander with an out-stretched hand.
"I can see a moderate aura on your machete. Declare the nature of its magic and its intended purpose," says the woman after scrutinizing his weapon for some time. She takes out a form and begins to fill it out.
"I can see a moderate abjuration and transmutation aura on the medal you wear on your chest, as well. Declare the nature of its magic and its intended purpose," continues the woman.
"Your ring is divine contraband. Surrender it immediately," she continues.
"سلاح Warding ، محرمانه ، بر روی مهاربندها.," she calls out, continuing.
"تاری ، عجیب و غریب ، روی چکمه ها."
At the same time, a man sorts through Xanderghul's haversack. "کوله پشتی ، سینه مخفی ، مسخره ، استاندارد" he mumbles. He pulls out a potion of longstrider. "Contraband potion," he says, placing it in a small bag affixed to his chest.
"کتاب ، صفحه مخفی ، محرمانه. گرز ، ناشنوایی کوری ، مسخره. گرز ، شناسایی نشده ، عجیب و غریب. گرز ، نامرئی بیشتر ، مسخره," he drones on, sorting through Xander's wands, before pausing on one - a gift from a druid named Grila.
"Contraband wand," he says, placing it in the same bag as the potion.
"I can see a faint transmutation aura on this wand. Declare the nature of its magic and its intended purpose,"
"Contraband wand," he says, removing it as well, though Xander himself was not aware of what the wand was capable of (he had retrieved it from the same woman that carried his staff, and subsequently forgotten about it).
"Wayfinder ، استاندارد," he says, before tossing the Ointment of True Seeing into the bag as well. "Ointment, contraband."
"This scroll," he continues, unfurling the Scroll of Beast Shape I, "Is a transmutation spell. What is its nature and origin?"
"This scroll," he continues, unfurling the Scroll of Sending which Xanderghul had taken from Nurah so long ago. "Evocation. What is its nature and origin?"
"اسکرول از ارسال ، محرمانه است," he mumbles, taking notes.
"This item has a moderate transmutation aura. List the spell enchanted on it and its function," says the Legionnaire, pulling out the small griffon-shaped statue.
"This item has a moderate conjuration aura. List the spell enchanted on it and its function," says the Legionnaire pulling out Xander's any-tool.
"Contraband scroll," continues the Legionnaire, taking out a scroll that Xander had taken from Hala demons.
"And another contraband scroll..." he continues.
"And yet another contraband scroll..." he continues, stuffing another scroll in his bag. "Hmph. Typical Avistani, utterly reliant on hand-outs from the gods."
"Let me guess, also contraband?" he sneers. "What's this scroll?"
It is a scroll of Dimension Door (arcane).
"And this one? This transmutation scroll," he asks.
It takes all of the self-control that Xander can muster to prevent himself from lashing out against the unfair, presumptuous, self-assured Legionnaires. To declare an entire category of existence illegal and then punish others for their use of it was confusing to Xander, to say the least, and frustrating in this specific circumstance.
Looking over the various potions and scrolls that the Legionnaires are confiscating from him, Xander gives a small frown. He wasn't expecting to have so many items pointed out, but he could make do without most of them. On the other hand, they were trying to take away his staff and his ring, which he could not afford to lose. Gripping tightly to his staff, Xander responds defensively and aggressively. "I don't see why I have to explain anything to any of you," he growls, "Second-rate non-mages who can't even identify items before confiscating them. I'd wager you sell these and pocket the profits yourselves, and that's the real reason you steal from travelers on the road."
Xander huffs and turns up his chin before going to grab his haversack and the bag of items taken from it. "Now, if you'd rather not incur the wrath of a powerful archmage, I will not be surrendering anything to you. You will give me back all of these items you are trying to steal, and I will take my knowledge and power elsewhere."
Isilme watches as a scene unfolds with Xander and the Pure Legion guards at the gate. She briefly places a hand on Hinagiku's shoulder to communicate non-verbally that they shouldn't interfere. Whatever was happening right now would have to be dealt with by Xander alone.
As the search on Xanderghul begins, Hinagiku focuses her mind and continues to ondo some of the threads that are attached to her, first the essence within her feat, then trying to fully breaks the threads at her feat.
Her concentration is broken when Isilme lays a hand on her shoulder, and her eyes focus on the scene that is taking place. Well, good thing Xanderghul could most likely just escape if he wanted too.... but it seemed as though he would not be entering the city.
Xander stops the search as soon as they go for his staff, but his bag and utility belt are still on the table in front of him.
The Legionnaire who was scanning him narrows her eyes - the only thing that is visible of her face. "No," she spits. "You are a foreigner here, and you will follow our laws! You will now surrender that illegal weapon in your hands and raise your arms above your head so that you can be peacefully deported back to Avistan or you will be forced to." She moves to draw her scimitar.
Looking around, he can see that all of the Legionnaires are wearing or wielding scimitars. They have longbows on their backs.
Isilme makes a point of frowning and then turning to Hinagiku and the merchant behind them gesturing at the spectacle and shaking her head. "Hopefully this won't delay my entry overmuch," she says to her traveling companion. "Thanks for seeing me to the city gates, I will drop by to visit longer when my business is finished here."
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Unafe squats and looks at her remaining companions.
"I wonder what they're getting up to. I suppose probably sitting around sipping more of that...kaw-fee, was it?" Unafe chuckles.
"At any rate, I don't know why I didn't think of it before but I can story anything that we want to bring with us in my dreamspace. It will only be accessible at a time and place where I can nap to get it back, but we'll have at least some way of getting it in there. If we have to go in."
She shakes her head. "...Though I still don't understand how there's a nation so backwards and barbaric as to outlaw the gods and divine magic. If the gods are watching over us, perhaps we won't have to set foot inside it."
Much like the ones he has created from dirt and stone, Ehren's bolthole is roomy, if not comfortable. Compacted white sand forms the entirety of its interior, glittering slightly from the touch of his magical light. A variety of beds and seats adorn the room, molded from the same sand and unyielding beneath the weight of those sitting on them. Ehren sits upon one such seat restlessly, given nothing better to do than wait.
"I doubt we will be so fortunate," Ehren replies, shaking his head. "This country's laws are rather convenient for the Blackfire Adepts. There is no prohibition on their arcane magic, while many of their more dangerous enemies would unable to easily reach them. And with so many people Azir, hiding among them would be a simple matter. I am sure the Riftwardens were based here for much the same reason."
The druid chuckles dryly at Unafe's remark about the country's barbarism. Ironic, considering how often the phrase has been used to describe their own people.
"I can understand their ways... to an extent. There are certainly wicked gods and beings that are undeserving of worship," he remarks, his eyes on a nondescript spot on the wall. "Even worshipers of the more benevolent gods can sow trouble, at times. But to ban all worship entirely, without exception? What must have happened for them to believe such a prohibition necessary?"
"I find it stranger still that they deny the magic of druids like myself. These arid lands could certainly use the touch of the Green. Did you see how malnourished the plants in Manaket looked? Even in the Hanging Gardens, where the ley was at its strongest, the land could barely sustain them."
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Nodding vigorously, Unafe replies, "Yes! The touch of a druid would bring those gardens into the fullness they deserve.
"I suspect you're right about the Riftwardens though," she frowns, and makes a fist.
Then--brightening up--Unafe pivots suddenly. "Oh and thank you AGAIN for the way you enchanted this belt. As you said, it makes it easier for me to navigate spaces while I'm, as Ary would say, 'embiggened'. I've been experimenting though and it's amazing at my normal size as well. Watch this!"
The shaman dives for crack (barely six inches wide) between a bed and the wall, and it almost appears that she flows, or pours herself through it. Moments later she appears on the other side (with a compsagnathus spirit screeching over her shoulder).
"It's exhilarating...and maybe a bit unsettling. It makes me feel almost like the sand that you crafted this room from, or like a stream flowing between stones."
Unafe turns to Ary. "And how are you doing? You seem like someone who mislikes before forced to wait away from the action...though I know you've also said you hope not to be forced to violate these people's backward laws."
When Unafe speaks to Ary it breaks her out of her own headspace, "Oh, no. I don't mind not being on the front line... I'm a bit different from most Iomedaeans in that way. I'm more concerned with making sure everyone makes it out okay. That usually means me being in the action, but with things like this, it's better to just... not be involved." she responds.
"I... try not to think of laws that I disagree with as backwards. If they aren't hurting people. I feel that these clearly are, though. I don't know what exactly lead to the laws, but I can't imagine that a wizard who spreads disease is any less awful than a cleric who does. And whether or not the wizard has the philosophy that 'disease is good' isn't something they're interested in controlling. People will disagree, whether the gods are involved or not. Case in point, us disagreeing with their perspective on religion." she says with a soft sigh and a roll of her shoulder. "I'm trying to understand, I really am. But it's hard."
"I do think that maybe we chose... poorly, though. I should have at least argued rather than just following along with the plan. I... understand that the ideal route is that we get in, find what we need, and get out without causing a scene, but if it doesn't work.." she trails off again. "We have to save Avi and the wardens, but I don't think that excludes the option of being honest before or during the sneaking around. In fact, me getting turned away at the gate may well have created a great distraction - or, better, they'd have let me speak to someone important. Depending on what they learn, do you think it'd be a good idea to try that? Me simply going to the gate with nothing but my armor and clothes on, and attempting diplomacy..?" she asks, head tilting each way, "And perhaps Ehren sneaking in through the sands while I do so?"
"See, my thought is... they don't like religion. They don't want us to bring it here. But... they also have a problem. I can't imagine the Blackfyre Adepts are doing nothing here. Evil doesn't just lurk in the shadows, it takes... because it can. So, likely, whatever research they're doing here is affecting the populace. And... I think I might be able to reach the Legionnaires if no one else, by appealing to some of the things we share. Like... that Avi and the Riftwardens being here to study is my fault, and I can't let my subordinates come to harm while I have the option to prevent it." she says, chewing on her lip.
"You are most welcome," Ehren says with a chuckle, when Unafe demonstrates her belt's magical power. He runs his fingers along the mithral vines on his own belt. "When Hinagiku told me where this belt came from, and you gave your permission for me to have it, I felt that it was only right that I give you something in return. It was good practice, in any case - I feel that I am getting better at creating these items of power."
"No less awful, perhaps," Ehren agrees with Ary, still in the process of making sense of the country's strange laws himself. They perturbed him, but not to the extent that they did her. "But from what I can tell, in most cases, a wizard is merely mortal. Clerics serve much greater powers. In your example, one that clearly advocates for the spread of disease, and that is far more likely to attract like-minded followers. For the most part, gods can only influence this world through the actions of their followers... so by banning worship, they limit the influence of the gods."
"You have a good heart, Ary," he says not for the first time, wearing a crooked grin. "If we had more time to act, I think perhaps a more diplomatic approach might have been possible. I am sure the Rahadoumi would be less than pleased about the presence of an arcane doomsday cult, if they are not aware of it already. Perhaps they would have given us the opportunity to remove their problem and save our people without incident." The druid frowns. "But as is, I do not think they are likely to respect you, or any authority that you hold."
Ehren leans forward in his seat, looking Ary in the eye. "Also, no part of this is 'your fault.' You are not an arbiter of fate. The only ones to blame are the Blackfire Adepts."