The frost woman leads Spartacus, Hadrian Marcius Majoris, Commander Titus, and their Arcadian division through the narrow pass. Bow carriers watch from the heights beside massive white wolves, their breath steaming in the blue dusk.
Beyond the pass, Frostenstiege's capital fills a snowbound valley. Timber halls ring a crowded central court, while ice-bright banners snap above packed citizens and carved wolf standards.
At the court's far end, Aurora, a young adult woman, sits small and straight-backed upon a throne forged from swords. Her fiery white hair spills over a fur-lined blue coat, and sharp eyes survey every armored outsider.
Aurora
So this is Arcadia's king. I expected someone less enormous, or at least less heavily armored. Does the helmet come off, or is there a smaller king trapped inside?
A few onlookers laugh nervously. Wolves resting at Aurora's feet lift their heads, then settle again as she raises one hand, silencing the court without surrendering her crooked smile.
Aurora
You may stand there glaring like a fortress. But tell me plainly, king: have you come to trade, threaten, or count how many of my people you could defeat?
The question hangs beneath the snapping banners. Hadrian Marcius Majoris's gold-plated armor glints beside Spartacus, while Commander Titus remains still and the assembled Frostenstiege watch for his answer.
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish formal relations with Frostenstiege
“As I approach my kings guard clears the area pointing their muskets at anything that may be dangerous I tell her Arcadia has been fighting itself for years now we are here to see what has become of the world and analyize possible threats as we attempt to reclaim our lost lands”
SUCCESS (Great Persuasion, rolled +0)
As Spartacus advances, his King's Guard clears a wide ring through the court. Muskets rise toward shadowed balconies, wolf standards, and anything that might conceal danger; the Frostenstiege crowd recoils in offended silence.
Spartacus Praetor
Arcadia has fought itself for years. We came to learn what has become of the world, assess possible threats, and judge what lies beyond our borders as we seek to reclaim our lost lands.
Hadrian's gold-plated shoulders remain rigid, while Commander Titus watches the rooftops through his sealed helm. The muskets make Spartacus's peaceful purpose sound like a warning issued at gunpoint.
Aurora
You speak of understanding, yet your guards aim thunder at my people. Still, your purpose is clear enough. Frostenstiege will hear Arcadia's questions, and I will not call this approach an invasion.
The court's tension loosens, though no weapon lowers completely. Aurora's lifted hand keeps her citizens back, granting the delegation recognition while preserving her authority before the watching valley.
Aurora
But this understanding carries a price. Before you speak of old lands, Arcadia will name its wars, its borders, and the threats it fears. Conceal nothing, or trust ends here.
Aurora's demand becomes the first condition of contact: Arcadia gains a peaceful hearing, but its history and intentions must be exposed before Frostenstiege offers deeper exchange.
✓ Quest Accepted
Present Arcadia's history and intentions
“I explain our history of civil war and great empires I show her the extent of it showing what we claim does not overlap with Frostenstiege I look at and request a duel between one of her men and Titus as it is a part of our cuture”
SUCCESS (Great Persuasion, rolled +0)
Spartacus Praetor
Arcadia was forged through civil wars, then gathered into great empires before division returned. Our claimed lands lie eastward and do not overlap Frostenstiege. As part of our culture, I request a duel between one of your warriors and Commander Titus.
The King's Guard lowers their muskets by a fraction. Hadrian's plated stance hardens, while Titus turns his sealed helm toward Aurora and waits without gesture.
Aurora
Your history is a heavy introduction, and your map is a useful one. I accept the duel, but not as proof that your claims deserve respect.
Aurora rises from the sword-throne and points toward the blue banners. A broad-shouldered adult frost man in layered gray furs steps from their shadow, his braided blond beard bound with bone rings.
Aurora
My shield-bearer will meet your commander. The contest will be witnessed by Frostenstiege, and afterward you will place your borders and wars before our council without concealment.
Titus steps into the cleared ring, armor shifting softly beneath his cloak. The frost shield-bearer follows, carrying a round shield and a blunted axe, while the court forms a silent circle.
Commander Titus
I accept the match. Let the witnesses remember that Arcadia came to speak, and that its warriors do not hide from judgment.
Quest Complete
Present Arcadia's history and intentions