"Get ready everyone. The spell doesn't last long and we will need to step through quickly." Cybele will step up to the Olive tree and place her hands on it. As she concentrates, a gold and green glow starts to form as she casts Transport via Plants. The tree seems to split as a doorway opens up, a distant forest visible on the other side. "Let's go!"

( Her plan is to bring everyone to a spot just outside the city, so the High King has some forewarning of their arrival, but let me know if that's not possible. )

Before the spell is cast, Dicaeus nods to Carrus. “Thank you. Now, we should porbably go.” He then walks to the other two and gives the Cape of Mountebank to Anax. “Return home a hero, my friend. Show Sparta our victory.” The portal swirls open, and Dicaeus steps through before Anax gets a chance to refuse.

You can actually hear the bending and creaking of wood as the tree seems to split down the middle upon Cybeles touch. The trunk of the Olive tree becomes almost an archway in shape as it opens to reveal a picture of the Outside of Olympia, Near the Farmlands on the outskirts of the city. You all step threw and are instantly met with the smell of Salt water air. It's a familiar and pleasant smell accompanied with the shore city of Olympia. You step out and find yourselves on the treeline of the Farmlands on the south side of City. Folk here work harder then most but they don't complain, Here is where much of the vegetables and fruits are grown that go into the city and are shipped to Atlantis.

You look to the west and see the crystal clear salt water of the Aegean, Some 3000 feet from where you currently stand. You can make out ships and fishing vessels leaving and coming into the Docks of Olympia. The Actual city is gargantuan in size, Easily 10X bigger then Athens. Made up of multiple districts where people live and work. Artisans,Stonemasons,Historians,painters,Carpenters,Smiths, all manner of professions and people call this place Home. 

The sun is just above the highest point in the city, The District which houses the Politicians and Governors as well as the throne room of Herkules. Known as the Lion's Plateau, this district stretches high into the sky, Blotting out the sun at certain points in the day for the surrounding districts; And at the very peak you see The Den, Where Herkules sits atop his golden throne. 

In the Distance to the east you can see the ever looming Mountain of the Gods, While within walking distance it would still take a full day to travel to its base on foot. The top of the mountain stretches past the clouds that are ever swirling around it. Cybele and Anaxandros have walked past this mountain before as their Homeland lies beyond it. 2 weeks on horseback to reach Sparta. 

Carrus you feel a sense of relief in the presence of this looming city, This is the home you chose and the one you protect from all threats. A subtle reminder of your life before coming to Greece.

Welcome to Olympia.

Anax breathes the air in deeply and turns to the others.

"Let's meet Herkules." 

He shoulders his pack, giving a pat on the back to Cybele as he passes her and heads towards the city.

Carrus takes in the sight of this magnificent city; he has never arrived in such an abrupt manner before, and to be confronted so suddenly with the splendour of Olympia in this way inspires awe, even though it is his home. He doesn't need time to orient himself; he knows this land well, and his gaze is drawn to the farmlands just to the north and east of where they are standing, to where his family's farm must be. In his mind's eye he can see the little homestead where his parents, his siblings, his nephews and nieces will be working, resting and playing under the watchful gaze of fair Olympia. He smiles slightly, sad that he won't have a chance to visit them today, but glad that the war has not reached them. Determined that it never will.

His gaze then moves to their destination, just visible at the top of the mountain, the place where all men and women of Greece look to when times are troubled, the Den where their High King makes his home. A broad smile crosses his face. He knows the others have all seen the city before, but cannot help but be filled with the pride of any local boy.

Look at it. Look at this city. What drow, or bull-man, or Roman could build such a wonder? Or even imagine it?

He turns to look at the others. One day I will take you to visit my family. They will... well, they will be glad to meet you. But not today. He glances up again at the city, at the Den.

 At Anax's words, he nods, and starts running towards the city gates.

Carrus your families homestead is humble but more then enough, A farm where your father and Younger brother along with your sisters husband still raise and slaughter livestock for meat. It's closer to the Aegean, 100 feet from the shore. It's a beautiful home. The youngest of your two sisters still live there with your 2 nieces and Nephew, Your mother has taken a more relaxed approach to life in her old age, Leaving the daily chores to her.

Your oldest sister, Who is a year younger then you. Lives within the City, where she works as a Seamstress. She had a husband who left when their child was born and hasn't been seen since. 

While you all know Olympia, The CIty in the Shadow from personal experiences; This being where the main force of the Greek army is stationed. Carrus knows the in's and outs of this city better then any of you, So he takes the lead as you walk threw the waist high wheat field towards the southern wall of Olympia. It's going to be a 20 minute walk just to reach the Large gate that is open during this time of day. Along the way you see dozens upon dozens of people tending their farms. Men and women harvesting and plating crops, Feeding their livestock and some cleaning up after a fresh butcher. Children are playing and laughing in the fields without fear. A common sight as Olympia is a place of protection and peace, While there is a bad apple or two which mostly sticks to their dealings during he night. During the day the City is a paradise of Peace and happiness.

The southern gate is up and open for all to travel in and out of the city at their leisure, Guards are posted along the top of the wall. Best guess somewhere in the low 300's just for the southern gate. As Carrus leads you past the gate and into the Market district of the city, The smell of cooked meats,spices and fruits hits you and you all feel a slight rumble in your stomach.

This Bazaar encompasses most of the southern city and is filled with Buyers and Sellers of all manner and races. Thousands of people walk the streets buying and selling wares from pots to fruits to paintings. Anything you desire can be Found in the Southern Bazaar.

Carrus, Your sister Cari works as a Seamstress in the nearby Pins and Needles, A store known for its quality tapestries and clothing. 

Carrus grits his teeth and leads the group through the market and on towards the Den.  As much as he would love to visit with his family, he won't keep the High King waiting.  As they pass the street that leads to the Pins and Needles, he glances in the shop's direction, but only briefly.    My sister works there.  Maybe we can visit.  After the audience.  

Softly, as he runs, he repeats the prayer he says each night for his family, and their health and safety, and he picks up the pace.

The Pins and Needles is a one story building with a wide ground floor. You can see multitudes of Different tapestries hanging from the actual building itself along with some dummies garbed in very finely crafted tunics, Trousers and dresses. 

Walking past the Store and weaving threw the crowds of people flooding the streets. You eventually find a set of stairs that lead up into the Artisan district of the city, Where sculpters,stonemasons,painters and various other artisans call home. This being the most direct approach to the Plateau. This district is not as busy as the Bazaar, There are folk in the streets but no where near as many. This place also looks very much more refined the the Southern bazaar, While the buildings in the Bazaar were sturdy they lacked refinement or detail. Here the buildings look almost like works of art, Beautiful, Ornate and detailed in their design. mostly comprising of White marble and sandstone, they have some wear but for the most part look brand new.

The Gold mine is also located in this district, towards the outer edge near the wall is a massive opening that leads for miles under the earth. Gold is constantly flowing out of the mine and it is a steady job for those who work there. Carrus leads you threw the Artisans and to anotherr set of stairs that spiral up around a massive man-made column of pure marble. This leads to the Lions Plateau. No one guards the steps as all is welcome to visit the High-king at any point in the day. 

It takes over an hour to climb these steps and reach the Plateau, Is there any thing you want to do or say on the way?

Cybele will quietly admire the buildings. She prefers the open wilderness, but can't deny that there is a beauty and majesty to this place. With so much prosperity, it is surely blessed by the Gods.

"I am sure you will find some time with them Carrus." 

As they pass the shop, Dicaeus, who is already looks out of place with pale skin and odd demeanor, looks slightly uncomfortable. He stops and stares, even when the rest of the group moves on. To be so close. He obviously has affection for his sister. And yet... he doesn’t burst in at the first chance he gets after being away. Does he even know what he has? Before long, he picks back up again, yet he still can’t shake the nagging feeling.

"There's a distinct lack of military academies here, Carrus. Your people do not worship Ares through practice of spear and sword?" Anax looks around curiously, posing the question to the paladin leading them as they climb the stairs.

Carrus cocks an eyebrow at Anax, suspecting that his friend is making a jest to provoke him, but he answers sincerely.  We have Academies.  As they run, he points vaguely towards the part of the city where the army presence is strongest.  But we do not rival Sparta for that, I admit.  And Ares is well respected.  Most families have a daughter or son,  a nephew or sister who served.  I will show you His temple, if the Fates allow.

Anax chuckles, "I'm just teasing, the might of Olympia is legendary - as are their fighters." He waits a couple of seconds with a smirk building on his face. "You should give it a try sometime." He throws a playful punch at the paladin's arm and starts sprinting up the stairs. He calls back, "Last one to the plateau is a chimera! And no flying beasts Cybele!" The goliath seems to be genuinely happy, his excitement at meeting Herkules consuming him.

Athletics: 15

Carrus grits his teeth, and sets off in pursuit, gaining ground swiftly on the goliath.  Athletics: 22

Cybele will puff her cheeks out a bit at the restriction. We're already in a city, so I can't be most things without causing a panic. 

So she will turn herself into a large Mastiff and go bounding up the stairs after the other two.

Athletics: 10

Though she is faster then most two legged folk in this shape, the stairs are proving more difficult to tackle then she'd anticipated.

Anax gets a decent head start in the Sudden challenge set before you. As Anax turns to call back to his companions, Carrus is already caught up with and surpassing the Spartan. A Sly grin on the face of the Olympian(Citizens of Olympia are Olympians.) As he blasts past the larger man.

With a growl, Cybele hunches onto four legs and becomes a large Mastiff, Letting out a bark as she begins up the stairs but having to concentrate on four legs while running up stairs is a bit much at first, She loses ground quickly despite being faster then her companions.

Carrus is in the Lead. Anax is following behind but is losing ground to the Olympian. Cybele and Dicaeus are pulling up the rear. 

NOW this is a skill challenge. One more athletics check from each of you!

"Ha! I knew you couldn't refuse a challenge, Olympian!" Anax watches the man pass him and steels himself to burst the rest of the distance using his full spartan athleticism.

Athletics: 29

[OoC]: Anax is going to use his action surge to sprint at double speed. Since it's a skill challenge however, I've just given him advantage on the check instead of having you map out distances. Is this an okay solution?

That works Mojake! No worries Im fine with that. Action surge for Advantage on a Athletics check in a throwaway skill challenge, I love D&D!

Athletics: 20

Cybele charges up the stairs but- wow this place is so much more distracting with a Dog's sense of smell.