Passing the Gates

Approaching the City of Brass by stealth is very difficult. The Malik perceives anything that transpires within the walls of his city, and all along the Forgotten Road to the Basalt Pillar, where his Aspect is imprisoned. When the Malik perceives that the approaching expedition possesses great magical power, he becomes curious about their business.

There are several ways to deal with these guards, and though some of their actions may seem strange, these are the orders of the Malik. If the characters address them, the guards ask each visitor to state her name and business. No matter what the answer, the guards open the gate. If any character refuses to answer, they do not open the gate and stand impassively. However, if the characters attempt some other form of entry, such as climbing the wall or flying over it, the guards do not interfere. If the characters attack the guards, the guards fight for a few rounds to allow the Malik to assess the visitors' power, and then dissolve in a puff of smoke and retreat.