A Wanderer's Welcome
Welcome to the Dharakmeni Empire! (I say these words to you now, because assuredly no one else will utter them to you upon your actual arrival in the empire itself.)
For whatever reason, you have decided to ignore the warnings of the priesthood and crown to venture into the realm of the Shining Kingdom’s most divisive (and enigmatic) neighbor.
As the Keeper of Wonder’s most loyal and internationally renowned devotee, I have traveled from the Malachite Forest to the Ash Mountains, and everywhere in between. Indeed, who better to guide you through the perils and delights of Dharakmeni society?
In all my many journeys, I can honestly say I have never encountered a place quite like the Dharakmeni Empire. You too will soon discover that from its exotic cuisine to its penchant for intrigue and danger, the empire truly is unique.
So You Want to Visit the Empire
Just getting into the Dharakmeni Empire can be a tricky proposition. Unlike other realms on the continent, the Dharakmeni Empire guards its borders fiercely, and has no interest in outside trade or visitors. Even foreign diplomats are usually turned away. (Or perhaps I should say they are especially turned away. The imperial mindset is a paranoid one.) The only rumored exception to this practice regarding diplomats is a recent delegation of elves.
So how to cross the border?
Well, although the imperial border guards are loath to advertise such a thing, experience has shown that speaking a little bit of ‘the international language’ to them can be effective. (A few gold coins should suffice.) Of course, a bit of friendly chatter never hurt either, and can sometimes help to smooth things along. I usually find after a good half-hour of regaling the border guards with tales of my many exploits, they are eager to help me get on my way.
Naturally, it is also important to appear as non-threatening and unlike a spy as possible. The guards will act on any suspicion—no matter how slight—regarding potential threats to the empire. Even those traveling in the robes of one of the goddess’s devotees are not above reproach. The guise of a wide-eyed, innocent traveler, eager for adventure in new lands, is often the best approach.
Wanderer’s Warning:
Traveling into the empire in the company of children is not recommended. While children are not usually the direct target of imperial intrigue or suspicion, they are often the innocent victims of it. If you somehow fall afoul of one of the noble houses during your visit, it is possible for any children traveling with you to be used as hostages for leverage.
In the empire, this is considered fair play, so long as the affair is conducted in private, without any outside witnesses. If you try to involve the imperial guard in this kind of matter, they will deny all knowledge of it.
