Chimwemwe braces himself as the funnel sucks him toward the mecha-fish. Fortunately, it saves him time and effort. He swims to the edge of the channel and then begins to draw in the water. The arcane arithmetic he summons lowers the temperature of the water around the construct to freezing.
Akoril spends a moment to focus, before firing off another spellstrike.
Taking advantage of his haste Akoril fires off a bonus shot.
The water churns and boils with electricity, ice, and motion. The MEGA cracks asunder. Abandon MGA! The Leshies snap on thir PFDs (Plant-based Floatation Devices), air-filled bulbs jet them to the surface and then blossom in colorful lilyppads.
The announcement rings out across the streetds…
Mafika helps you out of the water and gives you all a big hug. You are amazing!
The leshies smile. Wait till you see what we've got cooked up next!
That night, another party. The next morning, it begins to drizzle. The monsoon season is coming — school is beginning again.
Takalu ot summons you to his office, along with Zachva, Zanva, and Tzeniwe.
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Tzeniwe and the spiderlings are already in the office; they've been talking to Ot. They turn and smile as you enter.
Congratulations on yesterday's exhibition. Be careful! Now that you have won two of three bouts, they will work even harder. I do hope these MACHA LESHIES, is that what they're called —
Zachva roll his eyes. MECHA!
Zanvi jumps up and down. YA YA MECHA LESHIES!
— Yes. Well, whatever the kids are calling them, I hope they can be put to some good use. Perhaps if the city is ever attacked they can help us defend ourselves, but surely that will never happen. I cannot imagine what sort of terrible ginormous creature would require us to deploy these MOOCHA LESHIES.
He waves his hand. I digress. Our Anadi friends are gathered here because they are working on a project in the "Junior Lore Speaker" program, to help Andi become more accepted throughout the city here, and the world outside at large.
We want to be ourselves! says Zanvi.
And we want people to see who we are, not be scared of how we look! says Zachva.
Tzeniwe smiles at her children. And of course, this is also my own thesis. To help my family and my people be accepted everywhere.
Ot continues. We have a mission for you, something related to these efforts but not specifically about Andadi. It has to do with the scholar Izem who so recently fell into our lap — the one you saved from the Mzali warriors hunting him.
You see, while the city of Mzali is a place of great history and culture, its ruler is also xenophobic and seems intent on stymieing the city’s potential. All outsiders who enter the city are put to death. We want to stop this policy.
The Magaambya is not dedicated to revolution, assassination, or liberation of the subjugated. It is a place of learning, teaching, and charity.
The Magaambya can help Mzali and its people using peaceful methods. I propose a diplomatic mission to the city, one that can convince Walkena and his ruling Council of Mwanyisa to open the city to outsiders. With the city open to outside influence, the Magaambya — other groups — can enter the city and improve trade and the overall health of the citizenry. Dialogue can happen, and perhaps change for the better over time, Or at the very least, the opportunity for a seed to take root.
At the very least, if the Magaambya can put a stop to Walkena’s casual slaughter of non-Mwangi people from his draconian laws, it will save dozens, if not hundreds, of lives.
A worthwhile endeavor, no? I would like you to lead a delegation — chosen by yourselves — to achieve this mission. We have acquired one of Walkena's Seals, a medallion that will allow you to move about the city as if you were a citizen, though normally with an escort.
He hands you a sheaf of documents stamped with a golden sub-shaped seal. Here is that seal.
He also hands you a crystal. This crystal can transmit visual messages across long distances, allowing you to communicate with the people who hold its twin. I would like you to use this item to report in to Tzeniwe, Zachva, and Zanvi from time to time to tell them how your effort goes. They will be here safe and sound in Naantambu, but perhaps they can cite your findings in their own work — or offer you advice along the way should you need it! And, should you need outside assistance, Tzeniwe here can escalate as needed.
The task won’t be a simple one. Negotiations may require several weeks or even several months of work. Evil people lead Mzali. Each of them will be on the lookout for an opportunity for you and your delegation to slip up and break one of the city’s laws.
Another complication is the existence of the Bright Lions, a local revolutionary group dedicated to rising up against Walkena and liberating the city from his rule. The Magaambya has no official contact with the Bright Lions, but it’s likely that the group will try to contact your delegation, which might complicate matters. Officially, the Magaambya empathizes with the people of Mzali but is dedicated to a liberation of the city via diplomatic means. As such, the Magaambya forbids the delegation from working with the Bright Lions, no matter how appealing their cause.
Today, Mzali thrives under the total rulership of the undead Walkena. Its population has steadily grown since Walkena awakened, as Mwangi by the thousands arrived to join the child god’s mission to unite the Expanse and rid the land of colonizers. This new boom and prosperity came with a heavy price. The mummy Walkena is cruel, unfairly favoring his supporters and severely punishing those who question him, those who trade with non-Mwangi, and those who traffic with outsiders without his seal. For these offenders, a quick death would be a merciful reward, compared to Walkena’s punishments. Further complicating life in the temple-city, an insurgent group known as the Bright Lions work in the shadows to return the city to the people by overthrowing Walkena. Rumor holds that the new state of Vidrian, which recently rid itself of a colonist regime, supports the Bright Lions. Walkena’s elite Jackal Guard’s first priority is to break the Bright Lion organization, bring in its leaders, and turn the people of Mzali against them.
Mzali rests along the remote southern banks of the Pasuango River, deep in the southern plains of the Mwangi Expanse. A necropolis as much as a holy city, today’s Mzali rests atop the Mzali of yesteryear, whose burial mounds, ancient crypts, and pyramidal tombs lie just below the foundations of the current surface buildings. The immense city extends deep beneath the earth, with thousands of hidden shrines that contain the only remnants of Mzali history and culture from before Walkena’s priests edited it to fit their own needs. Explorers risk dangers (like the vicious karina birds) to find relics and treasures of lost ages in these subsurface tombs. Perhaps, someday, a way to defeat the powerful mummy-god tyrant Walkena will be among the discoveries returned to the surface.
Accompanying you will be Izem, in disguise, Assahanu, Mafika, and Nhyira, a teacher here who is filling in for Koride while she is… absent.
I would like each of your group to choose five fellow students to accompany you.
Any questions?
Akoril lets go and parties and celebrates their victory.
---
"I'd like to give Onyije a chance, I think she' benefit from a good field trip."
"We should bring Jumimo," Chimwemwe suggests. "His years of experience could prove valuable. And as many of the Emerald Boughs as is practical. Fardrik might be too tempted by the plight of the people, though."
"As much as I would love to bring Ubanau--I think he might get some valuable perspective about campus rules--I think his temper is likely to be a problem. If I'm honest, that might beven be true of Haibram as well. I think Esi could be a real asset to a mission like this, though, if she's willing. She's clever, and has a keen eye for the minutiae of rules and regulations."
"She is undeniably that," Chimwemwe says. "The temptation she poses to Mzali as the daughter of a prominent member of Nantambu's defense force might introduce an unnecessary complication." He has his puzzle box in his hand before finishing the sentence and begins flipping the tiles absently.
"Perhaps Onyije? She would be particularly useful if things prove not to be peaceful."
"Ignaci's skills may be valuable," he adds. "I am still uncertain of his true allegiances. Tzeniwe, your skills would be valuable, but I understand your duties here."
"Ignaci seems like a good choice as well."
You choose
Onyije
Jumimo
Ignaci
Esi
and Anchor.
While making preparations to depart, you do some research with your students — there are two prongs of interest: your current mission, and the concerns with Koride.
Wisps and Ignaci research Mzali culture. The Vidrian spy helps her uncover some truths about the the Bright Lions — the revolutionary group who officially does not exist.
In addition to fighting with guerilla tactics, they spread knowledge of former sun gods such as Chohar, Luhar, and Tlehar in hopes of reminding the people of the kindness in which Mzali’s power was once held.
Lately, the bright Lions have been seeking information about a lost daughter of Chohar. She fought for the "common folk" against tyranny, and like so many "common folk" her name is lost to time… and so is her fate.
Jumimo and Akoril bond a bit, as Jumimo is Ekujae and so are Akoril's folks. They learn that Koride was interested in the Iobane, a secretive sect of magi who see themselves as the spiritual successors of the Ten Magic Warriors.
It seems she wanted something from them, but couldn't get it herself.
Chim, Esi, and Root research Mzali politics. A woman named Nkiruka is Mzali's chief diplomat. She spent many years serving as a diplomat for Nantambu, in fact! She also served for Azir, Merab, and Senghor.
Together, they meet with people who know Nkiruka and learn that she comes from a long line of diplomats, and is fiercely driven to be the best at her job. Not only is she incredibly talented, but she bolsters her skills with occult magic to reveal lies or protect her from attempts at reading her mind. Rather than use her magic to control others' minds or even give them a nudge, Nkiruka only uses her occult magic to level the playing field and properly allow her skill to shine: discerning lies, seeing invisibility, and protecting her own self against untoward influences. Otherwise, she depends on her natural skill with logic and persuasion.
Kiri and Onyije team up with Ahassunu and uncover more information abotu their lost lineage. reference. In the stacks of the Archorn Library Ahassunu finds a reference to a crystal that contains a way to a secret city, hidden since the days of the Jistka Imperium. Passing among curiosity-seekers, this map vanished somewhere among the southern plains of the Mwangi Expanse. Perhaps this trip to Mzali will yield clues.
"Hmmm...a lost daughter of Chohar. I wonder if she was a mortal or a demigod?"
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"I am surprised the sun king would accept a diplomat of such renown," he comments to Esi and Anchor Root as they begin to learn more and more about Nkiruka. He rubs his chin with his thumb. "If she still serves Mzali, this may not be so difficult a mission as it first seemed."
The journey goes without incident. You learn that Nhyira has eye for the creative, and is a ken observer of society. The he Ekujae elf’s classes are invariably fascinating, and often involve some of the most talked about escapades on campus: she has had students design their own fortresses, perform live reenactments of sieges using those same fortresses, and then write original poetry of the glories and tragedies of the simulated assaults.
She also claims to hear plants growing.
The jungle gives way to the skyline of massive temples towering over stone walls that surround Mzali. The temples are each topped with impressive spires, statues, and other architectural marvels. Beyond the thick gates, the city is bustling. The sun beats down on Mzali, causing the sandstone buildings to shine and glow with an almost golden light. Dozens of people, each wearing heavy jewelry and spotless outfits, walk around with smiles on their faces. Some of the smiles hold genuine joy, while others seem forced or even full of fear. Though smiles abound, the sounds of the people are less than lively. Murmurs and monotone conversations hum about the air, and there is little in the way of laughter. Smiles fade for just a moment as people catch sight of travelers from a distant land, but they return just as quickly as the people move about their day.
As you approach the gates, a group of guards arrives and demands to know the delegation’s purpose for entering. Ahassunu is quick to provide documentation stamped with a golden seal. After a bit of careful scrutiny, a guard nods and leads the delegation through the city. The group doesn’t have to travel far as the guard leads them to the Golden Mouse, an inn only a few blocks from the city’s south gate. An old, bearded man with a large build steps out to welcome you, helping you into your accommodations.
The building itself is rather impressive, considering how quickly it was built. The two-story stone building features four circular dormitories, each with six beds. It also contains a small study and lounge. The building lacks a kitchen, but Azeeko can serve food and drink at the Golden Mouse’s main building, which has a modest tavern and connected kitchen. A large, natural courtyard rests between the tavern and the dormitories, which is a good place for relaxing privately and enjoying the fresh air of the city.
As you settle in, a finely-dressed woman steps inside, accompanied by several guards. She frowns at your group.
Welcome to Mzali. I am Nkiruka. Walkena looks forward to meeting and discussing the city with you, but he will not see you until tomorrow. Until then, you are free to remain in your rooms, explore the Golden Mouse grounds, or visit the Mixed Marketplace with an escort.
Understand that a strict curfew is in place. From sunset to sunrise, you must remain on the Golden Mouse grounds. Outside of these hours, an escort is mandatory.
Any attempts at initiating violence within Mzali’s walls, aside from self-defense, will result in severe punishment.
She coldly looks over your group, her eyes resting particularly on Izem, who is magically disguised as a bearded scholar, before leaving.
Her cold demeanor unnerves you. This is not exactly the welcome you were expecting from Nkiruka.
Wisps plays the diplomat. "Of course. We will follow these rules. We look forward to speaking with Walkena as well."
Akoril nods "We are honored for such a timely meeting, and are pleased with these lodgings.":
Later looking to his companions. "Shall we wander the grounds here. I'd like to get a good sense of the magical flow around here."
When you leave the room, eight jackal guards — two for each of you — follow closely. They wield spears and are bedecked in brightly burnished golden armor burnished armor that glitters in the sunlight.
It seems the guards will at least leave you to your privacy.
The air outside is fresh, and the din of the city is muted over the walls of the lands. It's tinged with the smell of baking bread. In the kitchens, Azeeko the inkeeper is baking loaves upon loaves of bread. Far more than the inn could accommodate.
I hope you've settled in? He inquires.
Akoril gives a half-hearted "Mostly. I've studied the flow magic though all things, and these grounds are unusual to me and thus unsettling. I'm sure another day or two and I'll get used to it."
Looking to the bread Akoril asks "Do you sell at a market too? I can't imagine the Golden Mouse goes through so much on its own."
"Who judges what is and is not self-defense?" Chimwemwe murmurs to his companions in a tone that suggests the question is rhetorical and worried.
The inkeeper smiles. These? I bake them for the poor. Every morning we give out as much bread as we can make. He gives Akoril a loaf; its soft, fluffy, and sweet. Delicious.
Ignaci whispers: Smart… I am sure this innkeeper is extremely popular among the hoi polloi, and has his finger on the pulse of the city. He smiles cynically. In Vidrian we, too had many “kind” “bakers.” They were critical in overthrowing Chelaxian tyranny.
Akoril nods and smiles "Very tasty at that."
"I would like to take some time to visit the market," Chimwemwe says. "I am curious to see what Mzali craftsmanship is like."
The teachers decide to rest upstairs. Don't be out too late! chuckles Ot. Beware incursions. mutters Zuma as he fiddles with the fit of his metal hat.
On the way out the doors to the inn, you pass a woman who is checking in with her four adult sons. Heavily armored adult sons. She wears her hair in a three-tiered bun, has a scar over her left eye, and golden hoops glitter glitter in her ears, nose, and lip.
Esi lingers as you step out into the sunshine, staring back.
She grasps Chimwemwe's hand. I… I… KNOW that woman… from when I was a child! She's friends with my mother… she studied with her!
There is a pregnant pause during which Chimwemwe's puzzle box finds its way into his hand before he speaks. "What do you remember of the last time you saw her?" he asks Esi. "I presume she would recognize your name?"
Esi nods. I think so. It was long enough ago she probably didn't recognize me, o. I don't I remember they had lots of loud arguments about temples and priests and gods. Things I didn't understand when I was that age. Esi chuckles. Then again, you know my mother, Chim. She can get… intense when she disagrees as well, but that's because of her power of conviction!
Wisps looks slyly at the woman. "Let's not talk to her just yet. She may be keeping her own secrets."
You head to the market heeding Wisp's advice.
Mzali is an immense city, and while life is abuzz in recent years, many buildings are still abandoned. Looming above it all is Walkena's own temple, and temples and shrines have been repurposed for housing and market space. You notice that Mzali cuisine consists only of food that can be sourced locally; spiced meat, wheat bread, and chickpeas make up the city’s staple foods.
Among the marketplace are ceremonial weapons. These golden blades and shields are impractical for combat, but often have rich tapestries etched into their metal that depict the deeds of ancient heroes, major events, or family histories.
"We should avoid speaking to her at all," Chimwemwe says as they continue on to the market. Glancing around to judge the distance to their escorts, he lowers his voice, "If she has sympathies with the Walkena orthodoxy, Esi's ties to Nantambu might make it to ears best not to hear of it."
Akoril nods, buying up samples of all sorts of different breads.
Kiri peruses the stalls, a short distance from his allies. They stay in position to keep an eye on woman Esi indicated long enough to see any reaction after the rest of the party moves on.
Well before sunset, for not only is there a strict curfew but the citizens seem to fear the dark, you head back to the Golden Mouse inn. The scarred woman and her four burly adult sons are eating bread with Azeeko the inkeeper. They all smile politely you as you head inside. The sons watch you closely, but the woman is engrossed in conversation with the Azzeeko and ignores you. Onyije sizes them up. We can take 'em…
The next morning, a squad of Jackal Guards arrives to escort the delegation to the Temple of the Walkena in the center of the city. They refuse to speak with you and refuse to allow any Conversants into the massive temple.
Onyije, Jumimo, Ignaci, Esi, and Anchor wander off to do some homework.
An enormous staircase leads up to this towering temple. Several small buildings connect to the main structure at various points along the temple’s height. Ascending the stairs is a long and arduous process. Waiting at the top of the staircase is Nkiruka, who simply greets everyone with, “Welcome. The sun shines brightly this morning,” before turning and entering the temple.
Nkiruka leads the delegation to a large meeting chamber located deep inside the temple. The room contains a large, low table with comfortable cushions, and a sideboard with a collection of drinks, local fruits, and charred and highly spiced meat. She looks at Izem and shakes her head sadly. Clearly, she can see through his magical disguise — the reports on her use of magic to "level the playing field" seem to have been true.
Please, wait here. She walks out of the room's only door. Jackal guards shut the door behind her.
Long minutes tick by. Ot and the other teachers get comfortable, smiling nervously. The guards watch you closely.
The small room is rather hot. The minutes stretch into an hour… and stretch on…
Akoil notes "And given the heat seems to shine even brighter in midday."
Akoril does his best to keep his cool by sampling the local fruits.
Kiri sits quietly, the long wait not seeming to bother them at all.
Once it has been about ninety minutes, Wisps approaches a guard, smiling sweetly. "Do you know how much longer it's going to be?"
Several hours pass. Clearly, this is a power move intended to irritate you or throw you of guard.
When Nkiruka returns she sits on a cushion. “Thank you so much for waiting. It’s so wonderful to see the patience of the Magaambya in full force in this room. It is truly humbling.
Before we get to any matters of significance, I must apologize. Walkena is tired from his morning walk through the city and will be unable to meet with you today. Instead, I shall speak on his behalf.
“Be aware, this is likely to be a common occurrence. Walkena loves the people of his city, and he will always put them, and the miracles he performs for them, first. As such, I believe I will be meeting you as his representative for the majority of your stay in Mzali. Please understand that Walkena is very busy, but every word you speak to me will reach his ears as if he were here. I urge you to put the thought of speaking with Walkena out of your heads for the moment and direct your attention to me.
“I am Walkena’s Voice. He speaks through me. I understand that you might be here to ease Walkena’s punishment on those who are not Mwangi and perhaps even open the gates of Mzali to outsiders. She gives Izem a smile.
"I see that as a very noble and courageous goal, one you might very well obtain if all goes well here. But know this: if you don’t work with me, your goals will melt away like so much ash in the Pasuango River. I have seen the ash Walkena creates when he is displeased, and I recommend we work together to avoid creating more.”
Walkena is a fickle person, sometimes full of joy, and other times unreasonable or prone to fits of rage. He knows this of himself, and uses the Council of Mwanyisa and other advisors to direct him toward making informed and reasonable decisions. Therefore, convincing Walkena is in fact a matter of convincing the his inner circle and the Council of Mwanyisa. The more people the ylour delegation is able to convince or outright win over, the more likely Walkena will acquiesce to your requests.
I am part of that inner circle. I shall remain impartial in all matters. While I will not decide any matters myself, but I am more than happy to speak to Walkena about anyone else the delegation has convinced.
Do you have any questions?
Akoril wipes their hands clean of fruit juice and listens to Nkiruka not really surprised at such a development.
"We are of course happy to attend to Walkena or his chosen representative, as he pleases, and we appreciate your assistance in this matter. Can you tell us anything of the best way to find or approach these other members of his inner circle?"
Chimwemwe puts away the geometric puzzles that he entertained himself with while they waited. "When we meet with the council members, will our escorts be in attendance? Or will they provide us privacy once we have reached our destination?" he asks.
"We are of course happy to attend to Walkena or his chosen representative, as he pleases, and we appreciate your assistance in this matter. Can you tell us anything of the best way to find or approach these other members of his inner circle?"
I suggest you take some time to get to know Mzali. Travel around the city to meet its people, and learn about the influential people who might help the Magaambya complete its goal.
Chimwemwe puts away the geometric puzzles that he entertained himself with while they waited. "When we meet with the council members, will our escorts be in attendance? Or will they provide us privacy once we have reached our destination?" he asks.
Yes. They will afford you privacy where possible, to have candid conversations.
With no further questions Nkiruka dismisses you.
"I will see if there is anyone with influence in the places of teaching," Chimwemwe says.
Akoril takes Onyije on a tour, under the pretense of learning about leylines, but actually spending time trying to figure out where the trendy eating places are, as they are likely to host influential figures.
After some time asking around, Kiri spends time at the taverns and bars that cater to Mzali's soldiers and guards, hoping to learn about who the influential figures are among those forces.
Wisps goes to the markets and speaks with merchants while browsing, trying to see whose names come up.