The realm is a rain forest, life ever-present and constantly growing. The capital city of Zernika is located in the centre of a set of fresh-water grottos supplied by underground streams, set in a pattern whose meaning has yet to be deciphered.

The people are called the Xin. Xin is both the singular and plural of the word.

The Xin are dark-skinned, and normally average about 5'4" for men, 5'2" for women. They are accomplished hunters, have a working understanding of agriculture, and have worked out an understanding of the local weather systems and seasons. Astrology is a developing science, and a moisture durable variation of paper has taken root, allowing for oral traditions to be enscribed into physical records. A system of personal and cultural honour is flourishing, where service to the group at personal sacrifice is greatly rewarded in social stature. The royal lineage is also the priesthood, and these educated Xin rule over the less educated masses, intertwining religion and societal needs to better allow the survival of the group.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:30, Sun 01 Nov 2009.

A man walks through the woods. He is not a tall man, nor does he look particularly strong. He carries a sturdy spear adorned with a white feather in his right hand, and his left deftly moves stray vegetation out of his way. His white robe clings to his upper body, and ends above his knees, exposing a pair of tan leather boots. He moves with confidence, as though he knows where every step should fall long before he takes it. His eyes remain fixed on the path, though he stops often to pick a flower, leaf or berry from nearby vegetation. These he puts in a leather satchel at his side.

It is uncertain how long he has been walking, though the pouch does have quite the array of vegetation. He seeks a city, which he knew the path would lead, eventually. He pulled out a mango, and took a bite, savouring the taste as he walked.

The mango tasted sweet.

Hirsu soon came upon Zernika, the City of Pools, and found himself within the bustling city, surrounded as he was by his people, the Xin. Spears and herbs followed him everywhere. Above, the stars shone.

Hirsu smiled as he walked amongst his people. It was nice to see them so active during the night, and he idly wondered if some type of event was occuring.

He began moving towards the centre of town, looking for someone with authority.

There wasn't an event, per se; many of the wild creatures of the forests only came out at night, and could thus only be hunted under the moon. There were many nocturnal Xin.

Hirsu soon came upon a broad, muscled, well-toned man, with strong eyes and a silver-tipped spear; a leader of some sort. The man cast a look upon Hirsu, and smiled, bowing very slightly.

"You are the one who walks with us," said the man, simply.

Hirsu smiled, his lips curving, showing strong teeth. "I am. You are the one who speaks my name?"

He studied the man surreptitiously, weighing his worth in the blink of an eye. He did not bow at this time, waiting for the answer to his question.

"I would not dare to pronounce such a name," said the man. Hirsu suddenly realized how old he must be. Physically prime, yes, but old with the glamour of youth.. "I speak only in titles. Forgive me," he said.

Hirsu gave a barely perceptible nod. "You are forgiven. I have come to aid the people, to guide them through the darkness. Are you my high priest?"

"I am a shaman and a hunter," said the man. "I do not claim the title high priest - or priest at all. Many of the clergy despise me and my kind. Nevertheless, I am here, and I hope to serve the Lord who Walks With Us."

Hirsu continued smiling. "I gladly accept your service. What is your name?"

Once he had heard the man's name, he proceeded. "The first task I ask of you is to take me to the royalty. There is much to be discussed."

"My name, Lord, is Xca the Far-Seeing, for I have been gifted with sight and titles, among other things. As for the royalty.. there is a small issue there, Lord. They see no visitors. A terrible plague has struck the royal house, and they open their doors to none save the most trusted service, scared as they are of witchery and curses."

Hirsu chuckled. "They shall open before me, if they are faithful servants. If they are not, then they shall wither and die as they have turned away from their lives. Take me to them, or as far as you can without placing your life in danger."

"I shall, friend of the friendless," said the man, and he took Hirsu through the city, through tiny allies and bustling swarms, until he reached a tall, wooden wall. It was finely made, and too large to climb. There was a black, two-dimensional portal engraved upon the wall - a marking in the form of a door.

"Only those with royal blood - or those who know the sidewise ways - might walk through the royal door," said Xca.

Hirsu examined the door, looking for traces of order or chaos on the tracery. "How do the sidewise ways work?"

Hirsu felt a strange power here - like Order, but a little different. Very similar..

"They are a magical tradition passed down through the royal family, Lord," said the shaman. "And those not of the fine blood aren't allowed to learn the technique on punishment of death. It is very secret, very forbidden.. but.."

He smiled softly.

"If you care to follow me, I know a man who knows the ways of walking sideways."

Hirsu nodded. "Very well. Take me to this man."

Back through the alleys, the markets, the squares, the throngs.. the entered a small, derelict building on the frontiers of the city, almost overrun with green growth. Sitting enigmatically in the corner, smoking herbs from a long, ornate pipe, was their man - old, but not ancient, a little weathered, with wise eyes.

"Ah," said the man. "He who walks with us - and the shaman king. Welcome, welcome.."

A soft smile curled Hirsu's lips. "Greetings. And it would seem you have the advantage over me. By what name or title are you called?"