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The Mournful Chorus	The city of Sanazar doesn't see many living visitors these days. Any who enter here during the day find the streets deserted, abandoned buildings creaking with disrepair, and scrawny cats prowling the streets, flocks of raitons circling above. The sun seems distant and cold, constantly shrowded in mist. There are no treasures to be found after a century of looting, safe for the strange, deathly flowers that only grow where the boundary between Creation and the Underworld has thinned thus. Like most Scavenger Lands settlements, Sanazar was built near a wide river, with a small harbor to welcome travelers and traders. It hasn't been used for that purpose for a long time. But a single ship likes moored to one of the still intact docks. It's a sight to behold, that ship: A large, unusually sleek junk, with sails of snow-white funeral cloth, sewn into a shape reminiscent of enormous flower petals. The bone-wood of its hull and masts has been artfully painted in a riot of colors, some of them much brighter and more intense than Creation's denizens are used to. Most of the art is abstract, depicting complex ornaments, often interspersed with vines and flowers. The vessel's flag is bright purple, depicting the shape of a cicada in bone white. It's rigging moans softly, and faint music wafts over the river: Drums, flutes, sanxians, tambourins. The Sunless Orchid beckons.
Tepet Makara	Despite the shadowland bordering Great Forks, Makara decides to investigate another land touched with death in the east where even the river itself borders the land of the living and the dead. In his great beast form, he can be seen flying through the skies looking for any peculiarities in Sanazar. "Hmmm, Only a single ship in the docks? I wonder who or what may choose to dock in this haunted river" The winged creature gets closer to observe the ship. Despite the ship's colorful details, it has other more morbid details such as the funeral cloths for sails. He flies closer but stays close to the shadows to observe if it even has a crew or if someone is exiting the vessel
Azure Blue	Wandering through the shadowlands, blade at the ready, Azure would be on the look out for anything potentially interesting from within this shadowland. He would notice however, the dock. He would observe from a distance before cautiously approaching
The Mournful Chorus	The mists that shroud Sanazar are particularly thick near the river. On one hand, this makes it easier to avoid unwanted attention - on the other hand, one has to get much closer to see what's going on. As it turns out, the docks might be empty of other ships, but not deserted: A small crowd has gathered near the visiting vessel. Most of them bear marks of their death by violence. Some seem to have been soldiers when they died, still clad in ancient armor of the dead city's militia. Others sport civilian outfits in a style that has been out of fashion for at least a century. They gape at the ship in wonder - or rather, at the handful of figures now disembarking. The strangers are all clad in silk and linen, their colorful clothes fashioned to draw the eye, with floral embellishments similar to those painted on the hull. Ghosts in similar garb can be seen milling about on deck. Both the ship's rigging and the bodies of its crew are positively dripping with jewelry. Even the weak shadowland sun cannot help but cast an enticing glint on all of those ornaments. The small women in the center of the landing party, flanked by dancing knife-artists and laughing fire-breathers, throws her iridescent hood back and offers a radiant smile fo the gathered ghosts. "I'm so glad you have all come!", she calls out her pitch in a clear, strong voice. "Don't be shy, come aboard - or run off to tell your friends, and come back with more. The Sunless Orchid offers you delight to last the night. Let us entertain you!"
Tepet Makara	As the figure exits the shadows, he blends in with the crowd however he doesn't seem to be undead but he is inhuman nonetheless. A reptilian creature with the wings of a pterodactyl clad in armor that seems to be the marriage of soulsteel and another armor. His scaly skin engraved by silver markings with some skytongue inscriptions. Despite his lively nature, he doesn't seem to have any intention to hide his true nature. "And I thought the dead do not enjoy festivities after their demise but I guess I'm wrong" He says with a smirk once he sees that the ship's crews are performers.
Azure Blue	The figure of Azure Blue would likewise arrive. Noting the crowds gathering, and not make any attempts to hide his nature. Clearly a fan of discretion being the better part of valour, he would approach cautiously and smile as he sees them disembarking. Arms folded as his sword was sheathed before approaching.
The Mournful Chorus	Many of the ghost don't appear to notice the presence of the living - not at first. Their eyes are hungry, devouring every single word of this glamorous stranger before them. A few turn around with visible hesitation and break into an excited run, clearly eager to fetch other ghosts still lingering in the city and drag them here. Some already walk up the gangplank to enter the ship, offering what they can spare in payment - mostly what they might have received as grave goods, or maybe acquired somehow with less savory means. The woman, however, notices. Her eyes dart towards both the winged creature, and from him to the other man approaching not far behind. Several ghosts turn around now to gape at the strangers, murmuring among themselves. The smile of the ship's captain doesn't falter. She offers Makara and Azure an elaborate bow, as if she was on a stage and they her audience. "Quite the opposite", she replies to Makara's words, her laughter ringing like soft bells. "No living festival can compete with the sanguine revels of the dead. I did not expect the living to be drawn to such a place. I'm Ravi Voice-of-Longing. What brings you here?" Unlike the dead around her, the woman who calls herself Ravi doesn't appear dead. Her breath steams just as visibly in the chilly air as that of both Azure and Makara.
Tepet Makara	"I was merely wandering the shadowlands to find a good spot to practice my deathly arts, but this sight is a change of pace at least" Although he has seen celebrations in Great Forks, Greyfalls and even the Blessed Isle, it seems this performance is just as wonderful even if it's macabre. "I am not here to cause trouble, merely observing" He then introduces himself to seemingly the only living person here. "I am Demon-Dragon Tyrant, a silver chosen and a necromancer" He gives her a courteous bow and despite his monstrous appearance, he exudes a princely majesty
Azure Blue	Saying nothing for the moment, he observes and moves out of the crowd. Giving a polite little wave to both Tyrant and Chorus. He folds his arms gently, as he continues to observe. His attire surprisingly practical for this endeavour
The Mournful Chorus	Others from the ship's crew smoothly take over, fanning out from the ship and advertising their services to the steadily growing crowd of curious ghosts, as they notice Ravi's preoccupation with the new arrivals. From the rafters, a small silver-furred monkey descends. It chitters nervously at the sight of the Lunar's fearsome appearance, but only pauses momentarily on its way down. An impressive leap takes it from the railing down to the dock where it hides behind Ravi, peeking at the two living men from behind her legs. Ravi reaches down to pat the animal's head affectionately, but doesn't take her eyes off Tyrant and the other stranger. "A necromancer, you say? And one of the Lunar anathema at that... You're a bold one. Confident that nobody's going to snitch on you here, hmm?" Her smile widens, showing perfect white teeth, as she looks him over once more. "Impressive style, too. Is your name just a show of force, or do you claim rulership somewhere? I hope for your sake that you don't make a habit of enslaving the dead. My crew won't take kindly to that." Although both her demeanor and voice remain cheerful and cordial, the threat in that last sentence doesn't sound casual. She now also takes a closer look at Azure. "And who might you be? An associate of his?"
Tepet Makara	"Creation is wide and full of dangers as much as the Underworld or any shadowland. Only a foolish dragon or shikari will try to search the entirety of this world just to get rid of my kind" He says with confidence for not all of Creation is touched by the Wyld Hunt. "I do not enslave wandering souls unless they are off harm to me. Same goes for the living as those that dare fight me get the chance to cross the other side if you know what I mean" Then he turns to the stranger besides him. It seems he isn't the only mortal here. "I do not know him but I see I'm not the only wanderer around here. Who might you be?" He glances at the stranger with reptilian eyes yet the way he looks at him suggests he's seen him before but briefly.
Azure Blue	"I am an alchemist and trader, fond of exploring strange locales. I trust that's not to be a problem?" He asks politely, gesturing around himself.
The Mournful Chorus	Ravi nods toward Tyrant, still smiling. She shows no sign of disagreement with his words. Then she eyes the alchemist up and down. Her monkey does the same simultaneously, almost as if the two of them were in perfect sync with each other. "Ah, how delightful! Here to harvest ghost flowers, drowning algae, and tomb moss? Sanazar might not look like much, but it has a lot to offer." To this, she nods at the native ghosts in appreciation. More than a few of them return the gesture and smile amiably. "Now I know your trade, stranger, but you still didn't give your name. Don't be shy, now." She winks at Azure. Her dark eyes regard him with intense interest, but she never lets the Lunar fully out of her sight. "You are both more then welcome to come aboard and watch the show." Ravi's delicate hands gesture towards the gangplank in a flourish of jeweled rings and jingling bracelets. "Or would you rather prefer a private performance, tailored to your personal tastes? The Sunless Orchid offers comfortable rooms, bookable for hours on end, if you so desire. We accept payment in coin, goods and offerings."
Tepet Makara	"I have not involved myself in such necromantic craftsmanship but collecting those may be useful for me in my future practices. I may have initiated myself into the second circle but I have yet to dig deeper" The chosen of Luna states his interest in the arts of the underworld, however the mention of a performance gets his attention. "I never seen the performances of the kingdoms of the dead before" It seems he is curious about the cultures of the deceased as if a morbid curiosity beckons him to stay.
Tepet Makara	"I have not involved myself in such necromantic craftsmanship but collecting those may be useful for me in my future practices. I may have initiated myself into the second circle but I have yet to dig deeper" The chosen of Luna states his interest in the arts of the underworld, however the mention of a performance gets his attention. "I never seen the performances of the kingdoms of the dead before" It seems he is curious about the cultures of the deceased as if a morbid curiosity beckons him to stay. "Sure, I'll watch the show in your ship" Then he turns to the mortal he totally didn't meet before. "Yes, I was wondering about your name mortal"
The Mournful Chorus	After the supposedly mortal alchemist chooses to remain silent, not offering his name, Ravi chuckles. "It seems he's shy after all. Or not confident in keeping his secrets", she remarks, turning towards the Lunar. "I don't know the first thing about necromancy to begin with, but if you want to learn more about what the sunless lands have to offer in exciting entertainment, you've come to the right place." The Orchid's captain offers him another bow. On the dock around them, ghosts are now flocking towards the ship, eager for the opportunity to experience a taste of the passions they crave so much. The monkey, softly chattering to itself, clambers up to Ravi's shoulder and perches there, content to sit and watch. Upon closer examination, something seems... wrong with the animal. Patches of its fur are darkened by rot, and its eyes gleam with a dreamy haze. The wind carries it's stench to Tyrant, a mixture of death and perfume. "You are in luck, Demon Dragon-Tyrant", Ravi continues while scratching the monkey underneath the chin. "Our show today is going to feature the Dance of Burning Heats, performed by an assorted troupe of Stygia's finest corpse-acrobats. After that, you will be treated to our main attraction... me." She makes a grandiose gesture with her free hand, and her smile widens. "What would you give to hear the Voice-of-Longing sing in chorus with the Thirteen Resplendent Minstrels of the Ebon Pagoda? Like I told you, we accept payment in many different forms."
Tepet Makara	The Lunar doesn't seem to mind the scent of death around here, after all he is enlightened with necromancy. He seems to be more impressed than disturbed by such an undead familiar the woman has as one of her companions. "Ah interesting, an undead pet." Despite the eerie aura of this vessel, he still continues in seeing this performance. "Ah you are a performer yourself? I would love to hear your talent, thankfully I have enough money to pay but I don't know any alternatives....but I am a practicing necromancer after all so you can get my services if you want that instead of money"
The Mournful Chorus	"This is Tabi." The woman gives her pet another good scratch, smiling affectionately at the animated corpse, who makes eerily guttural, but content noises. "I was very fond of him even back then, when he was still alive." She looks up, directly into the necromancer's eyes, and holds his gaze a bit longer before she allows her gaze to drift away, over the slowly filling ship. The haunting music is getting louder, but still fails to drown out the excited chatter of the assembled ghostly audience. Ravi nods slowly, more towards herself than to Tyrant after he has shown her his purse. "Your coin is welcome here, as are your services. Truth be told, I've only just begun touring these rivers. You are from around here, are you not?" Her slight Flametongue accent becomes more pronounced. "Maybe we could share a drink after the show, and you could tell me a bit about your experiences with the locals... whom to trust and whom to avoid, promising venues for my crew and I to perform at, rich patrons to court for sponsorship..." While she talks, she offers the Lunar her arm and turns halfway towards the gangplank, ready to lead him aboard. "You could even entertain me with stories of your own exciting endeavors, oh moon-blessed 'demon'." Grinning, she touches one of her canines. "Only if you feel like sharing, of course."
Tepet Makara	"Well despite being rivers, there are pirates that prowl in the waters just like that of the West. And be careful with traveling to some nations that may harbor Immaculate beliefs. In their theology, ghosts and other undead are meant to be banished if you do not want some of your crew to get slain by zealous exorcists." He says the warning while listening to the haunting yet entrancing music of the performers. "Even if Lookshy is far from the Hundred kingdoms, they sometimes have dragons that wander around. There is also a giant of a man that has popped up recently and he's from Thorns. You may want to be careful in encountering him, for he despises the undead thanks to his experience with them. He claimed to have even slew a deathknight's giant pet." As he continues listening to the music, the Lunar wonders what stories about him he should tell. "I'll only share one for now. It's the tale about this armor of mine and it's creation"
The Mournful Chorus	While he talks, Ravi listens with almost voracious attention, absorbing what he has to share about the many dangers of this land. As he mentions the giant from Thorns and his deed, she cocks her head, whistling softly, but doesn't inquire further - for now, at least. "I would love to hear about that extraordinary shell of yours", she tells him, smile brimming with excitement. Tyrant's breastplate has to endure a bit of poking with a curious finger, although she doesn't actually jab at the metal hard enough for him to feel it. "But you go ahead and enjoy the show first. We're going to take to the stage soon, and I'll have to get inside and prepare myself." As she walks with him up towards the railing, Ravi points at his huge wings. "I hope I don't come across as rude, but - would you mind assuming a more... suitable size? Just take a look. The Orchid is quite crowded right now, overflowing even. You might have trouble moving about like this. Not that I disagree with your choice of shape in general." He receives another wink, paired with a mischievous grin. On the deck, a stage has already been set, lavishly decorated like everything else on the vessel. Most ghostly visitors have already taken seat on long wooden benches, while crewmembers in long, flowing dresses serve refreshments and snacks. Ravi looks poised to leave Tyrant here, to make herself ready for her big performance.
Tepet Makara	"I'll fly instead and observe from above. I usually prefer this shape for reasons" It seems he doesn't have other fitting shapes or maybe he does not want his other shape to be seen. Hopefully the flapping of my wings won't be loud enough to interrupt the performance" Tyrant says as he flies above but stays still to observe the performance in the Sunless Orchid. "At least I have a good view" He mutters to himself while watching for the performance to start
The Mournful Chorus	Tabi climbs up into the rafters to scream at circling raitons for a bit, but quickly stops and sulks as he spots Tyrant's much larger form taking flight. Torches and braziers are lit, their flames glowing cold and blue, as the first act begins. The dancers are beautiful, in a morbid fashion. Clad in exquisite funeral garb that flows with their limbs, they warp and twist their artfully moliated corpi in impossible ways. A band of constantly grinning musicians drives them onward with a quick succession of mournful string segments, followed by haunting flutes and entrancing drums. They do their very best to warm up the audience - if such can be said of a congregation of the dead. Then Ravi appears, draped in a daring garment of shimmering moth wings and silken robes. A chorus of ghosts accompanies her, but only to provide background vocals. As soon as the Orchid's master begins to sing, all exited chatter among the audience dies, and all eyes are upon her. Utterly transfixed, the dead listen as she performs several songs, each of them stirring her audience's passions in different ways. Her voice seems capable of climbing to elating highs, almost rivaling the playful flute at one moment, only to drop down several octaves into a deep, doom-laden drone. She sings of the sweetness of loss and the futility of hope, of the beautiful moment between life and death, of celebration in defiance, of sinners triumphing over saints. Not a single soul on the ship dares to make a sound, for fear of missing only so much as a single note. After the thundering applause and the raucous cheers have died down, Ravi has to fend off quite a few ghostly admires. She soon comes to find Tyrant, offering him sweet tea with cardamon, wine from the mournberry fields of Stygia, and listens to his tale, sometimes asking questions about the things he has heard and seen in the River Province. It feels like a promising start...