[h2]Shazay Jordan, Tepes Forest Edge, Nox[/h2]
Shazay pursed his lips, trying to remember African history through the haze of barely-remembered college classes. He [i]did[/i] take a contemporary world history class, but only to sell Loa Dust to the students. What was it that happened in Africa...?

"Far as I know, whitey won in Africa an' enslaved the spearchuckers. Then you had 'em mine gold and diamonds and shit. Then some big lawyer named Mandela went round and started apartheid or some shit. Now they've got equal rights and De Beers mines gold and diamonds."

Shazay opted not to tell Frederick about the rich history of civil rights in America. Though he'd probably like the parts with the fire hoses, Frederick might not enjoy the ending.

"Aight, since you think you ain't a greenhorn, why don't [i]you[/i] lead the way? Any bugbears or gangbangers come this way, you blast 'em. I'm gonna take the salt, and the cat lady can take the back. Any luck, we're done 'fore Hi-Hat's done with the king."

[h2]Hi-Hat & Xiangshi, Castle Tepes Front Gate, Nox[/h2]
Hi-Hat breathed a deep sigh, and turned to look at the castle's gates. It was imposing, sure, but Hi-Hat had been through worse.
"Alright," he said, turning to look at Dr. Facilier. "Let's get out story straight: Shadow Eternity is on the way, and we know it. They probably don't. So, we're offering our help and a bit of intel. Now, without any further ado, let's get this shitshow started."

Hi-Hat reached up and took a mighty pull at the gate's massive doorknocker. As the knob swung back into the thick wood of the door, a mighty knocking sound reverberated through the castle.