Adventure 9: The Gates of the Golden City

After trekking through Abizad, the group set up camp before heading further into the mountains. The cold and height was already weighing heavily upon the party members used to the warmth (everyone but Arashino Maru and Ichirou).

While the others slept, Elaria and Failn kept watch. They encountered a traveling merchant, an anthropoid tanuki (raccoon dog) named Gyoubu. Gyoubu built a fire as well as a protective circle because "Annayur is always listening." Failn purchased a few gyoubi nuts from the furry vendor, and the two wood elves listened to Gyoubu's tale of how he was now a wanderer. The Nagas had driven out the Gyoubu from their home near the massive Gyoubi Tree ages ago, and so they were scattered across the Middle World. While in the circle, it should be noted, Gyoubu was also hidden from Anden's senses as well.

He also warned them about the road ahead. To reach the gates they would have to pass through Amenobochi, the Grave Pass. Since Adanir's doors were sealed, the main roads had fallen prey to landslides and disrepair, and so the only way through was the Grave Pass. The Grave Pass had been created by the suffering spirits that were trapped from the valley. After sharing their fire and meals, Gyoubi continued westward, seemingly unfazed by the dangers of Abizad the party had just left behind.

The next day they continued on, climbing through the mountains and eventually reaching the misty Grave Pass. Within the pass the party encountered several Oni, hungry ogres, as well as Spirit Wisps, who could be soothed by tending to their shrines/graves. With Elaria's help in soothing the nature spirits and the party's perseverance, the group passed through to the final areas, where they warded off by a Bone Naga, protecting the treasures and grave of the old king of Adanir. Via Maru and Anden's silvery tongues. the party escaped the Bone Naga's wrath.

At the Golden Gates the party encountered the Dao, the earth elemental set to guard the gates. Maru and Anden again pleaded for safe passage, which was granted. After combating some ice mephits they reached the massive stone doors protecting the city from the Middle World. A small pedestal stood in front of the door, in which Anden placed his small cube-key.

The doors opened into a verdant forested valley. The golden city of Adanir sparkled beneath a blue sky ahead of them. As the party descended into the valley, they were met by a party of elven monks in gold robes, who warned them they were trespassing. A giant shadow passed over the group, and the golden form of Annayur touched down behind the elves. The dragon roared. Everything became hazy, and the party fell into divine sleep. . .

• The King of Adanir, Shivan, has closed the gates to the city for some 600 years. 
• The Golden Disciples are an order of warrior-monks who protect Adanir are revere Annayur, the gold dragon.
• The Grave Pass outside Adanir is haunted by disgruntled spirits, who were locked out of the city. This is a moment of the natural/spirit world being closed off from the mortal kingdoms.
• Gyoubu is a wandering tanuki merchant. His homeland is somewhere west, in Lost Khandar. It is a place called the Gyoubi Tree, from which the Gyoubu were scattered by the Naga Kingdom.