"Let's try musicians, ones like yourself who can make bird like music, then we'll consider dancers I suppose. I hope she'll like this, but we can only try eh? Now Paktu might be around and suggest folks. He is a performer himself and a friend but not a singer." He looks around, and looks for Paktu while they are out. The amurrun (or Catfolk)is a street performer who juggles and more. Mostly though he looks for musicians at first.
Knick leads the group to the Dance Courts area of the city, "The musicians Ta...Teacher Ot and I play with can usually be found here."
Enjoying the ecclectic dances from visitors from different parts of the world, Knick spots one of the musicicians he has played with. He brings the group over and introduces his fellow students and musician friend to each other, "Everyone, this is M'pwar. He plays the chimes and flute."
After introductions are completed, Knick explains the basics of the group's mini-quest then indicates for Ikto to explain in more depth.
Unsure of the quality of his disguise Hess follows along trying to not react excitedly to anything interesting or unusual and lets the other do most of the talking.
The group arrives at the vibrant, rhythmic heart of the city's culture: the Dance Courts. The open-air plaza is a kaleidoscope of movement and sound, filled with visitors and locals alike showing off regional styles. True to Knick’s word, M'pwar is easily spotted near the center of the courts, idly tuning a set of resonant chimes while a delicate, bird-like flute rests in his lap.
As Knick brings the party over, a familiar catfolk street performer spots them and walks over with an easy, rhythmic stride. It’s Paktu! He isn't much of a singer, but he greets Ikto with a warm nod, a trio of brightly colored juggling clubs spinning effortlessly between his hands as he catches up with the group's mini-quest.
The Dance Courts are teeming with talent today, and as the group explains their need for a bird-like musical performance, a few other nearby artists pause their routines to listen or offer their talents:
Kesi of the Mwangi Expanse: A dancer adorned in brilliant, iridescent feathers who specializes in the "Sun-Bird's Ascent," a traditional dance mimicking the precise, sweeping courtship rituals of tropical birds.
Bral: An enthusiastic halfling percussionist who plays a set of hollowed-out gourd drums, capable of perfectly replicating the rapid, rhythmic tapping of a woodpecker.
The Whispering Trio: A small ensemble of wind-instrumentalists playing long, slender reed pipes that produce an eerie, beautiful harmony sounding exactly like a flock of songbirds taking flight at dawn.
Despite Hess’s lingering anxieties about the quality of his disguise, his fears quickly prove groundless. The residents and performers of the Dance Courts barely give the goblin a second glance. Between the Magaambya's eclectic student body and the strange, cosmic, or ancient denizens that constantly drift through the school's halls, the locals are entirely unfazed by unusual sights. To them, a slightly eccentric visitor is just another Tuesday.
Turning back to the party, M'pwar listens intently to Ikto’s deeper explanation of the quest, his fingers tapping a light rhythm on his chimes. "Bird-like music, you say? Well, you've certainly come to the right crowd..."
Ikto is DELIGHTED by the Dance Courts, he had little time to linger here when he first came to the city though he did see it before. "So it would seem..." He answers M'Pwar as he is delighted at Kesi, Bral, and the Whispering Trio, "SUch talent is amazing."
"It is indeed." Knick says in agreement with Ikto.
Za Minyahil's expression doesn't change much as they arrive and he takes in the color and sound and vibrancy of the Dance Courts.
"This reminds me a bit of Quantium. A similar energy...though maybe...warmer and more wholesome."
As they meet the performers, Za Minyahil blinks a bit surprisedly.
"How convenient...Well...we should not look that gift pegasus in the mouth."
"Would any of you be willing to barter performance for performances? You help us with our surprise party for our schoolmate, and I will help you each with a future performance, as long as it does not contradict with my schedule being a student at the Magaambya. We could treat the surprise party this week as getting some experience towards surprising Takula and Niana for their anniversary."
Hess wonders off a bit, then runs back to join the others.
Well this is less exciting than I though it would be.
"Ah, yes, forgive me, but I have a good friend who loves bird watching and we thought such a theme for her birthday would be welcome. I do not suppose we could offer trade of services, though I do have some coin."
He looks at Kesi of the Mwangi Expanse most of all, "She also is a fine weaver so might like your costume of feathers to be on display."
None of the professional performers are interested in trade. They ask for coins upfront for the performance, or worst case, half the fee in advance.
Each will cost 2 gold coins to contract with for the party.
As Hess wanders off during the negotiations, he runs into an actual gnome. A short, squat fellow with green hair styled straight up. "And what are you supposed to be? Some kind of pygmy from the jungle?" he asks crossly, squinting at Hess while cocking his head to one side. "Looks like someone is making fun of us gnomes, eh?"
"Does anyone wish to chip in a gold for the party?" Ikto says pulling out 2 gold for Kesi, "I understand if no." These prices are so much more than he'd pay in his village.
"It would be nice if other musicians were playing with me to add more bird sounds, we still want an bird outfit for Hess."
Knick asks Kesi, "Kesi, if we hired you would you also have a bird costume that we could use for Hess to wear during the party? One that you do not mind him swimming in."
Knick retrieves a 1-gold trading freshwater pearl and tells Ikto, "I can put this towards hiring Kesi so in addtion to the music I provide we have a wonderful visual bird dance for the party as well."
None of the professional performers are interested in trade. They ask for coins upfront for the performance, or worst case, half the fee in advance.
Each will cost 2 gold coins to contract with for the party.As Hess wanders off during the negotiations, he runs into an actual gnome. A short, squat fellow with green hair styled straight up. "And what are you supposed to be? Some kind of pygmy from the jungle?" he asks crossly, squinting at Hess while cocking his head to one side. "Looks like someone is making fun of us gnomes, eh?"
** spoiler omitted **
Hess bristles up at the accusations and points his finger directly at the rude fellow's face.
"And what business is it of yours how I choose to dress? I'd suggest you mind your own business unless you want a fat lip to hide part of your ugly face".