You sense an overwhelming aura of the universal magic school everywhere in the dead end of the valley. You also see it´s just an illusion, although a very strong one.
Yanos is climbing on the floor. Seemingly he believes he is climbing up there or at least tries....
Please let the rest do some saves and actions for better fun^^
Everyone who did not make it can reroll the willsave with a +4.
With its illusory nature clear, much of the plant life gradually fades into transparent shadows, and the cliffs at the far end of the vale part to reveal a much larger valley beyond. In the distance, a large wall encircles a humble town of stone structures. An immense castle built of bronze bricks towers over the settlement from its perch just above the base of a nearby mountain.
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"Just follow and trust a fellow Chelaxion. I will not lead you astray like they filthy outsiders"
-Posted with Wayfinder
You waste some time untill all overcome the illusion, but then you all come to see that much of the plant life gradually fades into transparent shadows, and the cliffs at the far end of the vale part to reveal a much larger valley beyond. In the distance, a large wall encircles a humble town of stone structures. An immense castle built of bronze bricks towers over the settlement from its perch just above the base of a nearby mountain.
You slowly and carefully approach the city.
As you near the gate, two guards emerge and stop you. You can see they have copper colored skin and flamelike hair as one of them greets you in a weird language:
Both of them look pretty neutral and bored, like every other city guard on gate duty would look like else. Still, it´s clear they want some answers from you before admitting you into the city.
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Ash looks up to the guards and says (in common)
"You sound funny. What kind of language is that? Can you teach me? It is a kind of language right? You are not just talking to us with your mouth full of something? Can I see what's in your mouth? Hello, I'm Ashiel,but you can call me Ash. Who are you?"
The two guards look at Milton in confusion, then one of them makes another try, this time in a different, deep and guttural language.
They seem irritaded and impatient.
Then, as Ashiel speak, both look at him.
Ah, you´ve come here only speaking that language! It doesn´t sound very enthusiastic. I repeat myself, for the third time: You´ve found Crystal Crag, the brazen city of our beloved ruler Tygora. What is your business here?
We understand your common language. Why did you come to Crystal Crag though and what is your business here? One of the guards answers in common, growing more impatient. They don´t look hostile though. More like they want some answers on what purpose you want to enter the city.
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Remaining unarmed, Yanos will smile and hold up both hands clearly visible before offering a knight's salute.
"I am Lord, Baron, and Knight-Captain, Sir Yanos. I am a humble priest of Erastil. As my friend said, we are seeking some friends that might have been lost. We come in peace, and have no intent to bring any trouble to your doorstep."
"I have never heard of this, this marvelous place. Can you tell about it. Forgive me if this sounds rude, but what are you. I've only ever met one man with hair like that, but he was, well he says he is the child of Ragathiel and Sarenrae. I'll leave that to you to decide if you can believe that rubbish or not."
Honestly interested in answers, Yanos asks question after question about this place, (why is it hidden, seen any pathfinders, is everyone <elemental/genie blooded> here, etc. . ., but makes sure also to ask "Who is Tygora?"
So you are searching someone here? Allright then. You should secure lodgings in Crystalcrag, there is plenty of room. Respect our curfew and other laws! Avoid causing trouble! You may enter Crystal Crag now and search for your friends. We have no interest in your gods. We are ifriit, people superior to you humans, and Tygora is our efreeti ruler, who build this place in her superiority. Go on your ways now and pester the oread with your questions.
They both turn, open the gate and let you into the city.
You walk some steps through the gate, cross a street and stand in an open space, seemingly a plaza of some kind. Many people hurry over the street and the plaza, seemingly very busy. As they notice you, a lot of them hold on for a moment, watching you respectfully yet shyly.
You can notice that all of them are strong and solidly built, with skin and hair colored stony shades of black, brown, gray, or white. Some of them bear skin that shines like polished onyx, rocky outcroppings protruding from their flesh, glowing gemstones for eyes, or hair like crystalline spikes. Most dress in earthy tones, wearing practical clothing well suited to vigorous physical activity and fresh flowers, simple gemstones, and other natural accents.
Map.
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"Very interesting. A city hidden up here. I wonder if they pay homage to Qadira, or their Kellish overlords?"
Lady Natalia will say, quietly to her party, "Looks like we've got a bit of a stratified society here... with the ifrit on top and the oreads below. We should talk to people of both races, and learn what we can learn."
To the ifrit guards, if they are still there. "Pardon me, but you mentioned a curfew, as well as other laws. So that we honor the edicts of your superiority, perhaps you could inform one not as superior as to what we should avoid?" Her companions can almost hear her teeth grinding as she completes this.
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Before proceeding further, Yanos will ask "Can you inform us of some of the more common laws? We certainly don't wish to break them, but wouldn't like to be caught unaware if there are any that are unique to this land."
Unsure what this place has to offer, Yanos suggests they begin to walk around and get a "feel for tha city", and perhaps a way to find their frinds will present itself. "We could also look for a "bed & breakfast" while we are at it."
The guards repeat themselves again, annoyed quite a bit, totally overlooking the gnome: Are you somehow dumb? Curfew means no going out at night. Therefore you need a residence. You can go to the fifth facet tavern and get rooms there. Also don´t get into trouble or stirr up trouble, don´t steal something and so on. Now be gone!
You stand there on the big plaza, next to a well, for some time, looking at the oreads, who in turn are looking at you. After a while, an aging oread with hair-thin cracks spiderwebbing his skin, approaches you and introduces himself as the remaining councilor ofCrystalcrag.
Hellllo travelllers! My name is Eurdan Stonemantllle, i´m the lllast rrrremaining councillllor of Crytalllcrrrag and i welllcome you! Plllease don´t feellll disturrrbed by my felllllow citizens herrrre, they arrre not used to strrrrangerrrrs visiting us, onllly the ifrrriits. I woullld lllike to invite you, so we can talllk and have a worrd in prrrivate.
Amazingly, he speaks common and you can understand him, even though he has a thick accent.
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"A pleasure, Councilor. I am Yanos and I and my team here are,. . . historians. Thank you for greeting us. We are trying to find another group that has been lost."
-Posted with Wayfinder
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"Your team..... I have never followed your holy people mearly worked along side of... Stupid mortal human"
-Posted with Wayfinder