(Maybe...he does like it hot...but...this way he can show off all his manly muscles!  Besides, it's Mithril armor, it's probably not entirely un-comfortable like this and he'll fit in better..right?  RIGHT?  (everyone looks at his big bat wings and hellish features..). sigh....)

We never killed that dragon, but I was all ready with the picture : 

Bernard shifts a little in the back moveing from foot to foot.  He flexes his left arm as he looks at it and then at his friends muscles for comparison.  He sighs to himself and keeps his head cast down for the moment. 

(It's an interesting question - about fire resistance and hit. Logically, it should be the same, but since it's a very specific magic effect in 3.5e it was separate: http://www.d20srd.org/srd/environment.htm Lava  there was considered "fire" and hence could be resisted, but hit - did not. As if "you are not burning up, but feel pretty uncomfortable.

And at any rate, we have a humidity effect as well. (Also, the muscles, of course :) Who knows, the picture may still be useful.)

Ramious looks around at the group, then to the tall thin man with bronze skin, "Uh, please, lead the way."  He makes an exaggerated hand motion. 

Leon readjusts his pack and gear, then nods, following Ramious out.

The man observed groups unclothing with the same blank (at least to you) face expression seemingly patiently waiting. He did not move in response to Ramious gesture but instead spoke again: "My name is Tlanextic. You will get audience with All Great and Mighty Tlatoani Tezozomoctzin. You do not speak, you listen. I will carry the words of All Great and Mighty to you. Follow me."

The phrases could sound cold, but the manners were polite (at least it felt as politeness), the man carried himself with dignity of a well mannered high authority, used to obedience but with no inclination to tyranny. He turned around, clapped hands once (the leather curtain with elaborated ornament shifted aside) and walked out of the room. When you followed, you realized the curtain was moved by another man - also bronze-skinned, black eyed, black haired, in a light armor and with a spear in his hand.

Turned out, the exit led directly to the streets, and the noises you heard were the noises of a city (for that was indeed a city!) and a really big one.Houses blocked the view - all with the stone walls, of a strange architecture, mostly with flat roofs, but the street looked quite long - you could not see the end of it. One building in particular - a huge pyramid - was dominating the view, you could only see the part of it, but the size was obvious. The street, you were standing on, did not look all that busy, in fact, it looked empty (at least the visible part) - or may be people were chased away to not bother (or be bothered by) strangers. You were not allowed to sightseeing for long, though. Right by the exit a big palanquin with six men at each side was waiting for you and your guide. Another man, covered only with loincloths, immediately dropped on his hands and knees by the palanquin making sort of a living steppingstone; Tlanextic stepped on his back and entered the carriage, making a gesture to follow him inside.

The palanquin was big enough for all of you, leaving even enough space for Tlanextic to sit a bit aside, leaving the feeling of the presence of royalty. The curtains (silk this time) allowed some light to get in, but were not transparent, so neither you could see the city, nor supposed citizens could see you. For some time you moved in silence, slowly swinging a bit with the steps of your carriers, but soon enough the palanquin stopped and Tlanextic led you out, on the long stairs and into a huge building, with flat roof supported by square pillars and walls, every inch of which were covered by bas-relief. Needless to say, you were not expected to study it in any way.

Numerous warriors with spears at the regular intervals were watching you ascending and then proceeding inside something that could only be a throne room, full of men (all humans, all bronzed-skin, black haired, beardless) in strange clothes most of which looked like an armor of some kind. Almost all were armed leaving generally militaristic impression. The throne itself - a quite rough looking stone construction - was occupied by the man in a golden mask and a tall crown (for the lack of a better word) of gold and spectacularly colored feathers. His complex colorful dress was also decorated with gold and feathers and surprisingly did not look barbaric, but quite in harmony with the surroundings.

You were not announced but obviously expected. After a few steps toward the throne, Tlanextic dropped to his knees, touched the floor with his forehead and said something you could not understand. After a pause the man with the mask spoke on the same language, not moving a muscle (the statue could not look less animated). The audience stood equally still but the eyes were uncomfortably on you - studying. Once the speech was over, Tlanextic repeated his bow and whispered "leave" ushering you out. You left the room but not the palace - your guide, followed by one young warrior, led you to the left wing of the building into a small room finally explaining situation, in a few words but probably as clear as it was possible.

"Four moons ago The Great Priest of Qotal had a vision about the evil rising in the Forbidden City. Some days later the daughter of All Great and Mighty Tlatoani Tezozomoctzin fell ill, dreaming of the Dark Temple. Few bravest among the warriors went to the city, breaking the rules of the gods. They did not return. We made many offering to Kukul and in his infinite generosity he granted us the answer - the foreigners from the far land can be allowed to enter the City of the Dead and vanquish the evil lurking within. You are those foreigners, you will enter the city and do what was foretold. Miztli," with a well timed gesture Tlanextic pointed at the young warrior, silently standing in the corner, "will show you the way to the city and shall wait for you for ten and two days. Return, when your task is done."

Obsidian black eyes looked at each of you in turn: "Do not take this as an insult, but you may ask for something you require for the hunt."

Ramious looked at the exotic city in awe. People would spend their life trying to see sites such as these. Though his mind looked around, curious at the lack of people, what sort of place was this?

Ramious frowned upon seeing the "living stair" into the carriage. He hopped up into the carriage without stepping on the poor man. 

Feeling like he should be judging everything around him, but trying to keep an open mind, he just watches curiously as they are led up into the pyramid and into the throne room. He glanced around with appraisal at the armor and weapons, trying to see how many of them were for show vs practical and skilled wearers. Regardless, he bowed his head awkwardly when their guide bowed and pressed his head to the floor. He tried hard to not make eye contact with anyone, and simply chose a spot on the floor before the king to stare at hard. He followed their guide out and listened intently to the directions. The more he heard the more he felt like a pawn in some royal intrigue, priests having 'visions'....indeed, daughters having dreams, forbidden cities. When the description was done, he thought for a moment, looking back at young Miztli. 

"What would assist us in the hunt is information. I would like to ask you questions about our quest. We are foreigners and I have questions about this land."  He waits for permissions before going further.

Leon looked on this strange land and found the place lacking.  It could not come close to the military discipline of his own homeland, but he supposed nothing on the material plain could compare to his own land.  He found this new place interesting, but could not say more than that. All of the bowing, scraping, and prostration was a bit much for him though.

When brought before this leader, Leon would give a formal bow, then wait to be spoken to.  After hearing what was said, he would put little stock in these visions and other nonsense, but would be interested in this place they were suppose to deal with some evil entity.

”Without knowing what we will face in this place, it is hard to say what we might need.”  Leon speaks up, aimin ghis remark to the translator.  “Are there magical items of protection or other such things that would be useful against what we might find in this place?”

There were no doubts, those in the throne room were warriors. Not all of them - some (very few) did not carry any weapon, like Tlanextic, but those that did definitely knew how to use it.

Miztli met Ramious gaze with same neutral expression, if he felt anyhow disturbed by the look or behavior of the party, he did not show it (not a small fit, considering almost each of you must appear as a demonic creature to him). It was quite likely, the young warrior did not understand Common.

Tlanextic slightly bowed his head, answering in his laconic manner: "Ask what you must". He did not promise to give the answers, though, and first question from Leon proved it. "I can not answer that question. The Forbidden City have not been visited for many circles. Some legends say of dead people wandering the streets. Yet, you will not find a single man who saw those dead with his own eyes. Gods cursed that place and the faithful do not dear to set foot in it."

Ramious grinds his teeth slightly, then nods, "Ok. How far away is this forbidden city? How long will it take us to get there?  Are there any dangers between here and there we should be aware of? And, what is known of this 'great evil' in the forbidden city?  Finally, what can you tell us about the forbidden city?  Why is it forbidden?" 

Bernard remained silent through the whole procession.  He had been in state of awe and culture shock.  Then started the talk of curses and dead cities.  He wasn't particularly pleased to hear they would likely be facing the dead, but he felt no qualms about re-ending their undead life.  He waited for Ramious to finish and added, "Yes, information is of great importance.  A map would be helpful, or items to protect or dispel curses?"

Alyssa’s brows would raise when Sam would be a little smug. If she had her spell prepared she’d be able to read it within a minute!

When Sam would point out their clothes as he’d hint to them of the scorching hot environment they were about to head into, the elf would look herself over. She rarely wore layers as it was, but she supposed her cloak and a few extra wraps could be removed if she got too hot. But her skin was fair and could easily burn while exposed to direct sun. Though, as she thought more about the environment and the type of creatures one might expect in those climates, something was picking at the back of her mind. Like they could be forgetting something.

And as Will would bring them to the teleportation circle, she would listen to his words almost cautioning them from leaving right away. When he’d ask if there was something they should buy still, she really thought there was. It was as if it were escaping her. Alyssa could only offer will a soft smile in return as they’d get whisked off to their destination.

Poisons? Curses?

But it was too late. The wizard would open her eyes in the new environment, enveloped in the new scents, sights and similar stimuli. Taking a look around, she’d appreciate Ramious’ lead to ask their greeters to wait a moment. While the boys undressed, not that she minded, Alyssa would refocus herself and take the time to cast Comprehend Languages in order to be able to communicate with the locals.

From the corner of her eye, Alyssa would catch Bugs flexing in comparison. She’d chuckle to herself, not realizing she got a tickets to the gun show. She was half tempted to participate, but would spare Bernard the embarrassment. The wizard was surprisingly toned and dextrous. She kept her body as active as her mind.

Once Thlanextic introduced himself, Alyssa would bow her head in a respectful greeting and introduce each member of the team one by should he be interested in learning their names before they moved on.

Alyssa would follow along with interest. She’d have her notebook and pen at the ready, writing, jotting, noting and sketching as fast and as much as she could along the way. When also faced with the ‘living stair’, the elf would try to get in without stepping on the man either. If she had too, she’d reach her hand out to ask for a hand up.

It was hard not to be intimidated by such an audience, but she’d do her best to follow suit. Alyssa would take position next to Ramious and Leon. They presented themselves and spoke respectfully so there really wasn’t much for Alyssa to add. She’d simply hold herself tall and strong in support as she’d listen and take down notes from their conversation.

If Thlanextic was surprised by Alyssa's ability to speak Otomi's dialect of Huacli, he did not show it in any way. He in general looked as a man, that took a vow to never be surprised (either that or face expression was difficult to read). Still, he lowered his head, placing the right hand over the left side of his chest in greeting, acknowledging the introduction, and continued to speak in Common, guessing (quite right) the others were not that fluent in his tong.

There was one thing Alyssa would noticed in the throne room - no women. Yet, people did not look at her any more different than on the rest of the team. Considering, not a single man here (at least among the warriors) had any facial hairs, she could be assumed to be a man.

Thlanextic's translation of the tlatoani's words was accurate. The ruler was more descriptive and talked longer about the City of the Dead (the part obviously directed at the locals) but in general the story was the same - a vision, dreams, some unknown evil ready to strike. Now your interpreter made a pause as if concentrating and slowly begun the story of the Forbidden City.

"The true name of the city is lost in the mists of time but the story is known to the wisest among god's chosen. Many cycles ago, the city was alive and prosperous. But the tlatoani became greedy. He was not satisfied with the life he and his people had, he wanted changes, that his pochteca talked about when they were returning from their travels. He opened the city to the foreigners, he invited in magic of the other lands, he forgot the laws of the gods. One day came a man, that promised to the tlatoani the eternal life for him and his people. The offer was accepted and when tlatoani died, he  returned to life and became the first mictlanec. Then he began to create other mictlaneca from the living of his city, lesser but still deadly. The city was transformed from a greatest and wealthiest into an empty evil place, and fell into ruins. The people of the other cities called to the gods for help, and help was given - by the will of Great Kukul, Father of all gods, no mictlaneca can leave the ruins, as the tlatoani himself can not leave the Temple, though the mictlaneca inside still "live" on, walking each night, hiding from the sun during the day. This is what legend says. No faithful can step on the cursed soil. No will. Other cities learned from that lesson."

"But time exists for everything and the old evil awakens. Gods gave us a sign "what is done by one foreigner should be undone by the others". And so you came. The Forbidden city is in five day walk to the east. Miztli will show the way."    

"What sorts of threats will we find in the travel to the city?"  Leon asked.  "Does this land have poisonous animals, snakes, and such?  If so, can you give us antitoxins, or some magical protection against poison?"  he could think of little else they might need, since so little was known about the city they were suppose to defeat this evil in.  Aid on the treck there was the best he could come up with.

Alyssa would listen, taking her notes on the details and stories given. But she’d think back to Bernard’s question and Thlanextic asking if they need something for their hunt. The cleric had jotted down a few thoughts and items of interest. “I share the same concerns for our wellness in an environment that is this new to us.“ They were not given a map, but at least they had a guide. During their trek, she could take on the responsibility of creating one for them along the way. “Are there concerns for curses? And if so, how best is that handled and cured here? I also wonder about insects and poisons. Should we be protecting ourselves from bites? And would you happen to have a local salve or poultice to treat poisoned wounds should the unfortunate occur?” The scholar would glance down her list to double check it before looking to her teammates and back. “With the knowledge of the undead, I propose that I prepare additional/spare holy water and ensure that I have components necessary to complete any ceremonies to put their souls to rest. Unless of course, your priests would have this readily available.” She wasn’t used to speaking up for so many demands, but something told her that it was best they did. Alyssa ensured her tone remained respectful throughout her asks. And the longer she stood there, looking over those surrounding them, it would finally don on her that she could be the only female. Why? Was this their culture? Or do they hold only certain rolls? The elf would try her best not to assume that it was a gender roll thing, but she was truly curious. She’d shift uncomfortably for a moment, contemplating whether she should ask, but she would any way. “I mean no disrespect when I make this observation, as I am a but a curious foreigner... there are no women here. Is there a reason?” Was it cultural? Alyssa’s voice was soft and not accusatory in any way. There was genuine curiosity. 

Ramious stands and watches the exchange with concern.  "Great. Waterdeep has the dead city....but...this is more like a city of the dead. Walkin around, all rottin and stuff." He looks at his rapier. Hopefully it will do the job. "Maybe you can send us with a few folk, not just one guy. Some animals to carry supplies and water and such.  Seems like a long way, ten days, with just a backpack full of gear."

All questions were asked outside the throne room. Thlanextic warned to be quiet during the (ceremonial) speech. In the safety of the small room, away from scrutinizing gaze of other warriors, the questions could be asked and were (mostly) answered.

The look on Thlanextic face remained stoic blank, but there was something else there, something resembling disdain? Apparently, muscle-flexing mighty hunters from far away lands were afraid to get lost, could not carry the weight and were scared of wild animals. The last question, though, took that shadow of the expression away.

"I could not help but notice you did not bring a single ... (he searched for the word) ... slave with you...", the man looked down thoughtfully and then answered questions as he saw fit. "There are beasts in the forests, there are fish in the streams, you will get plenty of food there. Mitzli will show you how to hunt ... animals that unknown to you. But if you failed to please Zaltec and got beaten by a snake, you do need a proper offering with you, of course. I will send with you my best tlacotin; if you do not know the ritual," (you could say it was difficult for him to believe in it), "he will explain it to you. Should Zaltec accept your offering you will survive, if not - you will have a good servant in your past life." "Of course offerings will be made here too, to assure your success."

The part about magic Thlanextic did not comment - he said enough about magic already, but Alyssa's question surprised him (at least he sort of looked a bit surprised?): "The women are where they are supposed to be." (the tone was "the sky is blue, why do you ask?") "I do not presume to know about your preparations, but neither Pluma nor Hishna magic were never involved in the happenings in the Forbidden City. We could not do anything against the will of gods, this is why we sent for you."

He made a pause, again looked thoughtfully down and then added: "When I was just a tlamachtilli, I was brought to the bothers of the City of Dead by my teacher. I saw the ruins, but not the dead in it. And I saw the Temple. You can not miss it - the old teocalli, though smaller than ours, is still standing strong and tall above the dead stone and living trees. You will find your way, as the gods willed so."

Ramious glared at the man, "Good preparations and proper supplies improve the chances for any fight. I've seen armies cave to weaker ones cause they didn't have the right supplies.  And we were given precious little information about such a journey before we were sent here to fix yer problems. So kindly stuff your attitude. Anyway, fine, we'll make due Mitz here."

Looking right pissed off, Ramious puts his backpack down and starts going through it.  Having left all his cold weather gear at a storage place back in Waterdeep, he examines what he has for a two week trek through the jungle.  Hmmm, not too bad he supposed.  He had most everything he needed.

Grumbling he turns to Mitz, "Hey, uh, do you sleep on the ground in the jungle, or in one of those hangin bed things?"  He looks to the man, "How are we gunna make it by with Mitz here when he doesn't speak common?." 

Alyssa couldn't blame Ramious for getting frustrated with the man. She shared the sentiment, but the moment Thlanextic spoke of the women being where they were 'supposed to be', she hardened. Her mother always cautioned her on challenging other cultures and respecting their ways, but to an extent. Not that she was planning to overthrow their leader or anything, but she no longer cared to blend in with the boys.

The elf would look the man up and down before raising her brow as she did, "And where are we supposed to be?" She'd ask simply.

When their tiefling would ask his last questions, Alyssa would look to him. Although Ramious could inhale food when he wanted, between her survival skills, Bugs' and Mitz's training, Alyssa wasn't too worried about surviving in the wilds when it came to food. She did have some rations with her as well. As for water, she could create some as needed. Her concerns still rested with poisons or curses, for she did not have the ability to cure those with her magics. But alas, it was what it was. Hopefully it wouldn't become an issue. But she was willing to learn what ever 'ritual' they may need.

Alyssa would chuckle to herself when Ramious would question the communication, like he hadn't been paying attention when she had conversed in their language. She'd lean in to whisper, "I've got it." She'd smile softly.

Leon shrugged, he was use to material-plain folk being less than useful.  he had found some rare ones he could trust, his eyes scanning his companions, but others were less than useless most of the time.  He checked his own supplies,mirroring Ramious, and left the discussion with the locals to the others.