Alright, alright, what is it? We here? Schildkrote replies
Well, I could have another five minutes then Schildkrote snorts
Alright, alright!
Here, you awake? If she won't let me sleep, I'm not letting you sleep.
Swamp democracy, see?
Apparently the Amber City shall be coming into view soon.
You're on a grand tour, remember? Don't know why -
Maybe Meraki has plans for ya.
I'm your guide. Nix Gobbo at your service.
Swamp Goblin and Wild Magic Tinkerer to boot.
So, what should I be telling ya?
Well, the Amber City is the capital city of the Bao
The Bao are a funny bunch.
Ayelfs with beautiful skin as amber as their towers,
but they cover it up in magic and fancy powder paint.
In days gone by they used to live throughout the whole of Ikiga.
And beyond.
So much learning and riches.
Made them a bit hoity-toity by all accounts.
And tricky neighbours to boot.
Goblin Elder Jon-Boi still remembers the Bao's great retreat.
He's putting down roots now, is Elder Jon-Boi.
But when he was a Gobling, just getting into his trade,
he saw that strange and sudden migration of the Bao back across Ikiga to that capital city.
Just upped-sticks and went, they did.
Don't know why they did it.
They just shut themselves tight away.
Poof! Gone.
I heard it said that when the Gobbly-Parleyman paid a visit to sound 'em out,
they made him take a bath before they'd even let him in!
He stayed for tea and kooka sandwiches and then he had to leave.
None the wiser.
He was only trying to help.
What's that?
Yeah, look there.
The towers of the Amber City are coming into view.
Those amber towers, they're taller than you think.
It was the Bao's ancestors built them.
They had minds for magic and engineering, let me tell you.
But those towers are looking a bit rickety now, wouldn't you say?
Very odd malarkey if you ask me.
Hang about! Schildkrote! Evasive action!
There are Bao soldiers down there and they're cranking round their trebuchets.
Look at them!
Oh, wait a minute.
That's ceremonial armour they're wearing, not field armour.
See how heavy it is?
They can hardly walk straight.
They must be in the middle of some ceremony.
Phew!
For a minute there, I thought they were going to shoot us.