Chapter 3: The Song-Wind City

It is late in the afternoon when the river takes a wide bend to the south. The jungle has become less dense over the past few hours, and now, up ahead, you can see a sprawling city on the shores ahead of you. The vast city is largely laid out in a circular pattern, with canals crisscrossing it. A few districts sit to the west of the central city, along with several docks that bustle with activity, ships of all shapes and sizes coming and going.

Some of the buildings of the central district stretch to dizzying heights. Even at this distance, you can hear the musical tinkling sound of thousands of glass charms that seem to adorn every window and door. This is Nantambu, the Song-Wind City! You've finally arrived!

You pull your raft ashore as you make your way along the docks on the outskirts of the city. Shuttles run between portage points north and south along the river while fishers cast nets and haul in their catch. The docks are also where merchants without a permanent stall in the city's main bazaar sell their wares, often right from the boat they arrived on. The smells of rich spices and rare woods fill the air, along with the tasty aromas of meat and baked goods.

Before you have gotten very far, a young human boy with dark skin, unruly hair, and colorful clothes approaches you. "Hello! Welcome to Nantambu! Forgive me, but you look like you've had a rough journey to get here. Are you looking for a place to stay? Maybe a bathhouse to get clean, or the best shops to purchase new clothing? I'd be happy to be your guide to the city, for just a trio of copper pieces!" The boy grins and holds out his hand expectantly.

Despite his suspicions, Novac doesn't think this kid has any nefarious plans.

The boy's eyes light up when AJ offers him a silver piece. He quickly pockets it before she can change her mind. "The Magaambya, yes! Right this way!"

When Al asks about the journey being rough, the boy shrugs. "If you come through the jungle, yeah. Especially lately, with all the beasts riled up from the Godsrain. The folks who come here through the river or the roads usually arrive none the worse for wear, though. You may want to try that next time!"

He leads you along roads and bridges over the canals towards the main part of the city. Along the way, you pass by several open-air markets and shops. Glassmakers and cloth merchants display a riotous array of colors and designs. Street musicians and performers busk in courtyards located conveniently near food carts. Charms and chimes seem to hang from every window, and temples of all sizes dot Nantambu's streets.

The majority of people you see here seem to be humans, but you also spot some Ekujae like those you met in the jungle. There are also some short humanoids who stand barely three feet tall, as well as furry hyenalike people, scaly lizardlike folk, and even a few beings that look like a cross between humans and cats!

At the very center of the city stands the Magaambya. The magic school has a beautiful campus with massive mosaics of warrior-mages with animal masks overlooking the school’s terraced gardens and the surrounding city. Ten buildings are arranged in a circular fashion around a central garden, with various smaller buildings around the outskirts.

"Here we are! The Magaambya!" your guide says with a grin.

"I'm Ikeno," the boy says, pointing to himself.

"Most of the new students who enroll here have a sponsorship from somebody already affiliated with the school, but they've been known to accept people who don't have a sponsorship, too. If you want to become a student, I guess it doesn't hurt to ask!"