Palace Lands: The City of Naval Monte

Traveling from Dol Dona to Naval Monte is perhaps the shortest trip one can take within the Palace Lands. The distance from here to Seeker's Landing is about as long as it would take them to go to Lumina Cloth. As such, the first port the Adventurers are traveling to is Naval Monte.

As they proceed through the waters heading north, the enormous mountains to the east of Naval Monte come into view first. With an explaination that there is a large monster presence within those mountains that makes the eastern part of Rosenheim Kingdom a lot harder to access.

But it would not be long after that, that Naval Monte comes into view. The massive mountainous city looks rather unique in make. It perhaps brings one to reminisce about Mac Anu, due to the blue nature of it. But Naval Monte is littered with unique smooth towers, and a singular peak at its center. It is surrounded by walls on all sides. A true city in the water, miles out from the mainland, with a single brings to connect the two.

As they get closer to the walls, heavy stone gates open into its walls like a massive airlock. The walls littered with large cannons facing outwards, and some that are facing inwards. The port is /laden/ with large wooden ships. There are Undine swimming through the massive inner port that runs a ring between the walls and the actual start of proper buildings, some of them helping move boats through their powerful swimming abilities. Others delivering packages. Various races on the various ships working in harmony. Based on the Inspect readings, there are loads of Adventurers here, working along with the Landers, interacting in a cooperative manner.

Their ship lands at the docks, and they are greeted by an absolutely... well, beautiful woman. Fair skin, strange multi-colored hair that reflects the cool sun overhead, golden circlets that fit her perfectly, and a fish-like body that looks like it would make walking really difficult, were it not for the fact that she is practically swimming through the air. No doubt the gem on her head giving her some kind of special ability. She looks like she should be cold in this weather, in those kind of clothes. But she is Undine. ( https://imgur.com/a/wHi6K7N )

She slowly lowers to the ground, not quite touching the ground, and touches her hand to her chest before bowing to the arriving Adventurers. "Welcome, Adventurers of Yamato. And welcome to Rosenheim Kingdom."

Laira Lorelei - Lander symbols.

She has a mixture of Human and Undine guards with her, making this entire situation seem to once again impress that idea found in the Fourland Dukedom once more. Each of her ward Yellow or even Orange level.

If there is one thing that Mikage is not fond of, it is sea travel. Oh, sure, she managed the trip over the wide ocean to get to the Palace Lands in the first place, but the Were Fang was heavily medicated by some of Cyrus' potions most of the trip. On this short trip, she doesn't bother with such things, as the after effects are worse than the trip, itself.

That does, however, mean that Miki spends much of the journey hanging on the side of the ship, looking a little green around the gills. Rama, on the other hand, has no such qualms and seems happy as you please the entire trip.

When they finally land, Miki among the first to disembark with a look of relief on her features. So it is possible that she doesn't make the best of first impressions. Luckily, no one is depending on her to be the spokesperson with anyone of importance. Rama leans against her, offering some support as she inclines her head, "Greetings and... thanks for the welcome." She takes a slow breath. "Sorry, ships don't agree with me." And she leaves it at that.

    Merek of course would take the time to wear what looks like the dark attire he often does, with the strap along his front and a dark bracelet with inset gem to his wrist. He wears what looks like the Eas blue rose on his armor. "Thank you for the greeting. It is a pleasure to be welcome to your city. I am Merek," he will offer. "I am attendant to Baroness Wake. I don't speak for her completely, though I will make sure that any greetings and all are brought back to that Lady."

Yeowang is with the group entering Naval Monte, looking around impressed. The amount of things going on all points to her to a high level of organization and purpose, which she approves of. She bows deeply as Laira Lorelei welcomes us, replying, "Thank you for your gracious welcome. I am Yeowang, it is good to meet you. We are emmisaries from the East." Which could count as Yamato, or Seeker's Landing.

Shiruba on the other hand has little trouble with sailing. Not that she doesn't prefer to have her feet on solid ground, but a proper adventurer can't be picky over how they travel sometimes, or they miss out on new experiences like this one!

She does give Mikage a reassuring pat on the back though. "Just take a moment to get your bearings if you need too."

Then turns her attention to the welcoming party. The wolven cait sith holds an arm across her midsection and the other behind her back as she returns the bow with her own. "Thank you, milady. It is a honor to be able to witness your kingdom up close for ourselves." Got to get the polite formalities out of the way first.

    Rizadoman is happy to get off the boat , he is really not suited for being a sea dragon. Stepping off he hears the greetings and tilts his head at Merek before looking at their welcoming, and dangerous host. " It is an honor to be here, thank you for welcoming us. I am Rizadoman here on behalf of the Moon Tree guild leadership. We appreciate you opening your gates to us. " One day he would spend some time in learning more elegant ways of introducing himself but today this is what he had.

Bleh. A boat. Again. Sure, it was the best way to get to where they were going, and it probably isn't as long as the voyage from Yamato but, well, that trip was -awful-. At least firebirb is here and will try to be hospitable to those that are coming out to greet them.

The first thing that comes to the Doctor's mind is that this poor woman must be extremely uncomfortable with /sea shells/ of all things placed where they are. The second thing is that this person is probably in a leadership position of some kind, so it's probably best not to mentally dwell on the subject for too long.

Prophylaxis is here, of course, because it is his desire to see how the Adventurers of other lands are faring, how they are adapting to the situation they find themselves in and, crucially, whether any of them need any of the services that he and the Scale Emblem can provide.

"Good day," the doctor says, inclining his head respectfully. "I am Doctor Prophylaxis of the Scale Emblem Alliance. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. It seems my kin have taken quite well to these lands-- I'm glad to see that so many seem to be in good health and good spirits."

Queen Lorelei touches her hand to her cheek, lithe fingers touching pale skin, and closes her eyes as she watches Mikage try her best to keep everything in rather than out as she speaks. It's clear that the queen's eyes are keen enough to pick up on the behavior, yet she playfully remarks; "Oh sweetheart." She lifts her hand out and flows forward.

The woman then motions for one of her attendants and whispers something. It isn't long before the attendant procures something from a bag and offers it to the queen.

"Here, try this. It will help." She tells Mikage, offering her what looks like be... applejuice in a small metalic container. "Drink slowly, alright?" The woman offers gingerly. The Queen is clearly a very different 'experience' from the Pooka lord of Dol Dona. Very caring, even when acting proper and dainty.

She then looks to Merek as she backs off a bit once more. "I've heard. A Baroness amongst Adventurers and Landers. It's quite the unique crew your people have gathered here." Word traveled ahead of them. She then nods her head to Yeowang, and then motions towards the city. "Please, come. Join us. Step this way."

The crew is starting to be guided away from the ship and into the port proper, and towards the main road ahead. A bit of a walk and talk.

She listens as other introductions are given. A guild leader and appreciations of her welcome. As she motions her hand, 'floating' along the ground, making supple swimming motions.

"I hear your people have been looking for the Adventurers of this land. Many of them ended up here, living among my people, or heading over to Lumina Cloth." Something that Prophylaxis ends up addressing in part. "Hmm, yes. Many of the Adventurers took to living among my people, or became Hunters. Quite a large amount of them are trying to clear out the Mountains to the East. I hear they recently even destroyed one of the Monster Nests and destroyed its Dungeon Heart." Lorelei points out.

Sea travel is what Marines were made for. Kaydon also is dressed like a viking. Sure this isn't the right ship for his outfit but it should still get the point across. At the moment he's up near the bow, looking out over the horizon.

Once they arrive at the proper location for the port, and the ship docks, he hops off the ledge from the bow and wanders down the gangplank. It's Kaydon, and at the moment he's in full mercenary mode. So he'll sit around and play his enforcer role to the best of his abilities.

    Merek walks along with a nod to the Queen, "Thank you. And aye, we are... A little different, of the people you would know. It might be a cultural thing," he will admit. The man takes the time to check the place, and will watch the city even while he will follow along.

Shiruba falls in stride with the group with little issue as they head into the city proper, nodding her head a bit as the Queen explains the situation of many of the Adventurers that have come here. "That is good to hear, both that they are doing well, and doing well making themselves useful to you and your kingdom." Apparently it doesn't take Adventurers very long to settle in and get back to doing what they seem to do the best.

Though a lot of her attention is on admiring the city itself. There's a few touchs that remind her of the Dukedom in Yamato, but for the most part it is a beautiful sight all of it's own. "Is keeping Monsters at bay why your city is built like it is, walled and out upon the water?"

    Rizadoman finds some relief finding that the adventurers are at least active , there is even a visual sign of a little relaxation as he hears that. " Clearing monster nests is a serious business and if it is the mountains we saw on the ride here I can only image the trouble behind it. Curious enough what type of monster was nesting there ? I bet it was those iron kongs , they seem like they would be a troublesome monster to root out." As he talks he lets his eyes wander about taking in the sea side city. Shiruba's question does raise a thought, " I thought monsters weren't really a threat to root towns. "

Yeowang will step that way, as invited, joining with the Queen and moving along with the group. "Yes, we are curious to meet them," she agrees about finding adventurers. "The mountains to the East? Interesting." And worthy of future investigation.

A nod is given to Shiruba as Mikage takes a couple of deep breaths. "Next time, I'll use one of Cyrus' potions. I just didn't want to be loopy the rest of the day." She explains.

Traveling with an alchemist who brews all sorts of potions, this isn't the first time that Mikage has been offered some strange substance to try. She looks up, offering a sheepish expressin as she accepts it, nodding her head. "Thank you." Immediately, the girl starts to sip at the potion, seeming to focus on that.

Rama's tufted ears flick once, as if he were the more thoughtful of the two at the moment. With most of the others having offered introductions, some in more official capacities, she just offers, "I'm Mikage Yurei, just an explorer." Afterall, she has no real official title or role amongst the guilds of the New World Alliance.

With others asking the questions she might want to know, the Were Fang falls silent, walking along and sipping the potion, simply listening.

Shiruba turns to Rizadoman for a moment. "It would be careless to simply presume everything that applies in Yamato applies here as well," she replies. "There could always be circumstances we would not be familiar with."

    For the most part, Tenix is taking in a lot of the sights of this place. A safe haven out upon the water, a ruler that seems kind, and this is where the adventurers of the palace lands have ended up! Ooo. That could be good. It means there are probably MERCHANTS here, and that is right up the firebird's alley. While she considers just what she may find, she's rather well distracted, going down that mental rabbit hole while letting the others discuss the goings on of this place. She's catching the occasional word at least.

The Queen turns and begins to 'swim' backwards above the road as the Adventurers speak. Her aides moving near her, or behind the party. Just ready for trouble, though none of them seem particularly nervous.

"Our city was built by the Alvs of old. We didn't design this city. We just live in it." The woman explains to Rizadoman, touching a hand to her lips to giggle a bit. "But it's nice that you think we built this place. The walls are there to keep monsters out, so they don't cause a ruckus. We can't rely on the Guardians dealing with everything. We'd never grow as a people if we did that." The Queen points out.

"As for the monsters within those mines... no, I do not believe it were Kongs." She looks to one of her human aides, who notes; "Kongs are largely on the southern continent. The Mountain is home to other monsters, such as Lizardmen, Ratfolk, and Dire Beasts such as Dire Spidorpians." He explains.

"There you have it." The woman chimes, glancing back at Mikage as she drinks the Applejuice that had been provided to her. It's no miracle drug, but it seems to be remarkably helpful in easing that queezy feeling. "Explorers are of course most welcome. We have been in these lands for thousands of years now. But there is so much that is undiscovered, or erased from history because of the rise in monster populations over the years."

Yeowang arches a brow at the news the city was built by the Alvs. "That seems to be a thing among the older cities, but that makes sense. Those cities turn out to be places that are good to live." She hrms as the Queen explains about the current situation, and hrms about things undiscovered. "We are good at exploration and discovery, as you may have surmised from our arrival," she says. Though the Queen's flying seems interesting and unfamiliar. Another thing worthy of investigation.

    Merek looks along the city and will nod to the Queen, while he takes the time to relax. "Alv, interesting. What do your people know about Alv?" the man asks. Then he's walking along the place while he takes the time to consider it, then inspects the Queen thoughtfully.

Monster Nest, is it? So those are a problem even here. The doctor scratches thoughtfully at his cheek, and quiets down to be alone for a while with his thoughts. It's only after he does some mulling that he speaks up again. "Monster populations have been on the rise...?" The doctor asks, canting his head to one side. "Has that simply been due to a lack of anyone willing to risk the danger necessary to wipe out their nests until relatively recently...?"

Or is there something else driving the rise in monster numbers? Something, perhaps, vaguely Ainz Ooal Gown-shaped.

Or maybe something else entirely. Hm.

"Anyone skilled enough to charge into monster territory and eliminate a Dungeon Heart is certainly interesting, however," the doctor muses, tapping at his chin. "Did they belong to a guild of some kind, or was it more of an assembly of like-minded but otherwise unrelated personages?"

"Extra precaution doesn't hurt." Shiruba nods. "Well, the Alv built a beautiful place, and your people have done a wonderful job in preserving it." Her attention is listening to the Queen, but her gaze keeps drifting, examining buildings, or other people traversing the streets, or a dozen other little things you can see in a thriving city. "It is a shame that monster infestations do that. Hopefully more of that history can be rediscovered some day. Learning from the past helps us prepare for the future." Someone beat her to asking about how much they actually know of the Alv though.

With the apple juice somewhat settling her stomach, Mikage can actually take the time to start appreciating their surroundings. She takes in everything around her, as if it were the most wonderous thing she'd ever seen. You'd think some things might get old after a while, but they never seem to for this one.

Rama, also, seems entranced, but more so by the strange way that the woman in front of them moves, and the fact that she is very... fishlike. It's no wonder that she would capture the cat's attention. Luckily, he's trained well enough not to think Undines are play-things or worse, food. But that doesn't mean that the cat won't watch.

"I don't know that we've even scratched the surface of Yamato, so I can't imagine what sort of wonders there might be, here." Pulling out a scroll, the girl makes a few notes on it, likely recording details about the city. After training from Shiruba and Jazuhanzu, Mikage has spent more time actually documenting her travels.

    Rizadoman nods his head at the comment, though inces at the mention of his own people beiing behind some ruckus. One day though , all lizard people will walk the way of the naga and gain enlightenment, one day. Focusing on the conversation at hand " Had it been goblins I would have had an exterminator to recommend. " As he is getting around to asking more others seem to beat him to it, so for the moment instead of adding more noise that the queen must juggle he simply listens.

Exploration means jobs, and jobs means coin. So Kaydon does brighten up a little bit, "Lost treasures, unfound history. Sounds good." Kaydon says, though who he's talking to is up for debate, "How far have we even explored here?" He asks. He really hasn't been doing a ton of exploration so far, at least not in the palace lands.

    Seems the smith and the firebird have the same mindset. Jobs. Coins. Duties. MONIES. "Oh, haha, all kinds of stuff around here to go out and grind into dust for funds, food, and treasure? Sounds like a good time," she agrees with Kaydon, suddenly just there beside. He aleady asked one question that was on her mind (now), so hey, maybe he had more. "I mean, it feels like some folks have explored a -lot-."

Upon Merek's question on what they know about the Alv, the woman notes; "Not much anymore. They died a long time ago in a massive war." She explains to him. "Hundreds of years ago now, I think." Before she 'twirls' lazily through the air and continues to move through the main street. It runs upwards, so people have to put in some effort to keep up with her.

"Monster populations rose a few hundred years ago. We've been dealing with the fallout ever since." Lorelei explains. "We've cleared out quite a few, but the further from the city we get, the more dangerous they get. And unlike you Adventurers, we are not immortal. So it is a matter of risk management of course." She chimes at Prophylaxis, touching a finger to her chin and giving him a bit of a wink.

"As for the group. They're the Adventurers in the Hunters Guild. They got together in something they called a 'Raid Group?'" She seems to ask, not as familiar with the term it seems. "It was like a big army. It's quite impressive really. Adventurers have rather unique tactics, I've come to learn."

The various buildings, they will note, have largely been built up around towers and raises in the land. Pushed up against these 'hills' and proper 'towers', as if added after the relief of the city was created.

"Goblins aren't that common in these lands. But the Kallamore Kingdom has to deal with them from time to time. I'm sure they'd appreciate the aid." Lorelei remarks, until they come upon a split in the road. "Now, I have made arrangements for you all to sleep in one of our wonderful inns." She interlaces her fingers and holds her hands together to the side of her cheek, mimicing a sleeping motion.

"But before I leave you all to rest, and explore our wonderful city. Are there any other pressing questions you might have?" It seems like she's enjoying this, getting to share.

Yeowang has no pressing questions plotwise, but she wonders, "May we have your leave to trade with your merchants? We have many interesting things that your people may find desirable, and I am confident that your merchants will have many things of interest to us. But we would not want to overstep our welcome," she explains.

    Rizadoman contemplates on if has any pressing questions and can only really think of one. " Is there a library in this city? I have a weakness to learning the local folk tales of an area. " The other questions he had would really be for the adventurers and even seems to be taking a moment to count something out on his claws and mumbling to himself.

Much of what Lorelei says is not new to Mikage. Many Landers don't have much they can say about the Alv or the creations of things more than a few hundred years ago. Though, there is a quirk of her lip at the comment about 'Raid Groups'. It's good to know that there are enough Adventurers to pull off that sort of grouping, but... the numbers still bothered her.

Mikage's eyes flicked to those in the city that INSPECT showed as Adventurers, her brows drawn forward. For now, though, she doesn't raise the question. "Is there anywhere in the city or surrounding areas that you'd advise against us traveling? We'd like to get the lay of the land."

And likely talk to some of the Adventurers here, outside of ear-shot of the city leadership... but that's a different point all together.

"A 'Raid Party' is when a large group of Adventurers get together, typically to deal with an extremely powerful opponent or group of monsters," Shiruba politely explains to the Queen. "My guess it would be in their efforts to fight back monsters and clear out their nest in the mountains, as you previously mentioned they were doing." Goodness knows what else would be strong enough to require a full on Raid Party....

Other members of her Guild get to asking questions she would before she can, which just amuses her a bit. They seem to be on different tracks of the same general mindset. She's pleased to see them putting forth the effort though.

"Well some folks have more motivation to explore than others." Kaydon replies to Tenix, as he listens to her comment, "I'm fond enough of exploring, but I want to find things that need killing, too. Because it seems like no matter where we go, there's always some monster that needs killing."

More evidence for people around these parts not really having any 'formally' structured organizations. The doctor shrugs, then asks: "I don't suppose you could fill us in about what has happened in the Palace Lands since the Wave? Any strange occurances, or unusual happenings? I mean, besides the usual monster nest appearance and such."

    Merek looks to the Queen and will nod a bit, "Thank you, I will speak with your Merchants for the time being, and partake in the culture," then he notes one of the guards, and will offer a hand to him, while he shakes it if permitted. "Ah, handshake. It is a polite greeting," he will admit. Then he smiles along to the man a little.

"You are welcome to trade with our Merchants. Just try not to disrupt our Culture too much." The woman asks of Yeowang upon the request. "Feel free to buy as desired, but don't introduce too many strange things is all we ask of you." Lorelei points out, before turning to Rizadoman.

"We have a few noble houses that offer readings. But if you want a library, I recommend you head to Kallamore Kingdom. They have the kind of information trade centers you are likely looking for." She suggests, then does a little spin in place, no doubt drawing even more of Rama's attention.

"You're welcome to travel anywhere. Just be careful at the mountains to the east. The monsters are far more dangerous down in the mountain depths." Lorelei points out to Mikage, smiling to her, before inclining her head in thanks to Shiruba for the explaination - though no doubt she'd picked up on that fact by now.

The woman then looks to Prophylaxis and rubs her chin. "Well, I assume you mean the wave that trapped the Adventurers here, right?" She asks. "For the most part, it's been that. It was a long adjustment period for us. We had to lean on Dol Dona for the extra food to support them. Especially when they started immigrating here en-masse."

She crosses her arms a bit, clearly trying to remember things. "We had a lot of infighting amongst the Adventurers to deal with for a while. They were fighting for space. Some even tried to force their way on us. I can't say the initial few months were... good. But we've come to a better situation. And a lot of the more troublesome Adventurers ended up heading to Kallarmore, since they have a far more advanced society which seems to feel more 'familiar' for a lot of Adventurers." She explains.

In the meantime, she glances as Merek does something with the guard, and there's a momentary sneer of a look on her face. But she doesn't comment on it.

"I think that will be all." The Queen remarks, motioning for her aides, and heads down one of the roads. It seems that whatever Merek just did has soured her desire to remain here to answer questions.

Shiruba tilts her head a little when the Queen seems to have had a slight shift in mood. But there is still a need to be polite, so she bows briefly as the floating meremaiden turns to leave. "Thank you, milady."

Okay, so any big libraries are in the other Root City. That counts for something, if a little sad that they don't have one here other than nobles' collections. And nobles don't always like to share.

Maybe she'll go check the market like several others, see what kind of adventuring and survival gear this region sells.

    Rizadoman watches slightly confused at the informality of Merek and notices the look on the Queen's face and shakes his head. " I am going to have to have the Baronness teach her emissary about etiquette. " With that said more to himself he looks at the other adventurers. " It appears it would be in our best interest to also plan a trip to this Kallarmore, though it sounds like it may be the seedier kingdom in the area. "

Mikage nods and bows her head graciously, white hair tipping forward. Rama, reading the gesture, does the same, obviously having been trained to do so. "Thank you, once again, for your hospitality. We'll try our best not to impose." She's likely talking just about herself, having made it clear that she represents no particular power or group among the Yamato Adventurers.

She misses out on whatever it is that Merek is doing, likely too busy looking outward to notice something happening that close. Finishing the juice, she politely offers out the metal container back to them, "I think a little rest would do me good." Miki had investigations of her own to do, but those could wait.

Oh, an INN? Soft beds? A chance to rest and -then- go shopping? Hunting? Grinding for gold and getting to spend it all over the city?! That sounds so much better than the utter horror that seemed to exist outside the camp at the other end of the land where the monsters seemed like they could kill with little more than a glare. Or 3 or more of them. Even Tenix notices the queen's glare, follows it to Merek, then peers herself. Arm fold. "What did you -do-."

Yeowang nods gravely about trading with merchants. She will see what is already being traded, so she can trade them with things from elsewhere in the Palace Lands which will introduce no strangeness, perhaps. Depending on who they normally trade with in the Palace Lands. "I will do as you say," she assures the Queen, and makes her plans with that in mind. She makes a note of the mountains to th east being far more dangerous. That sounds worth investigating, at least.

    Merek looks to the hand of his which he shaked with the guard, while he takes a look along to Tenix. "I... Maybe should bow next time, I don't know. I--" the man looks to that hand of his while he watches, adjusting the bracelet and glove which he wears, while he takes the time to back up, then he's looking to the guard. "Right," then he turns about and takes off along into the city.

Merek is Wake's emissary? Wow, that's sure a choice in personnel.

The doctor may not be able to sense whatever it is Merek does, but he does know enough about facial expressions that the queen's displeasure is fairly obvious. "Kallamore, is it...? I see," Perhaps they'll have more answers for him. Whatever the case, if the Landers here are particularly... protective of their unique culture-- that could be a potential flashpoint to keep an eye out for, in the future.

Especially if they give the locals more reason to want to keep Yamato's adventurers out.

"Ah, well, I think I'll open a temporary clinic for a little while before moving on," Prophylaxis says, cheerfully. "Provided that you're fine with a foreign doctor providing free check-ups?" The medicine may be a different story, but it'll all be quality stuff! Prophylaxis, guaranteed. "And, thank you for receiving us kindly. Good day to you."