A Wanderer's Welcome
Welcome to the Shining Kingdom—the (ahem) ‘jewel’ of the northern continent! (I may be slightly biased in this regard as a Kingdom-born man, myself.)
In all seriousness, the Shining Kingdom is one of the most wondrous and welcoming whereabouts I have ever had the wherewithal to wander, which is certainly saying something, considering my plentiful pilgrimages across various lands to learn the local lore. I am certainly proud to call the Shining Kingdom my home. (At least, during those odd occasions when I am actually in the vicinity to lay down my walking stick and put up my feet.)
Now, I am pleased to share my nuggets of knowledge with you, dear reader—from the deep shadows of the Malachite Forest, to the towering peaks of the Opal Mountains, and all the pleasing places that preside in between. Allow the kingdom’s most well-known wanderer to guide your way on a journey you will not soon forget.
So You Want to Visit the Shining Kingdom
The Shining Kingdom is a peaceful nation. For the most part, foreigners are made quite welcome. If you arrive overland from the west, or make landing at Coral Port by ship from the south, your crossing into the kingdom’s domain should not provoke any pesky problems.
The eastern border however, is another matter.
Those attempting to enter the kingdom across the border shared with the Dharakmeni Empire (especially those traveling parties that include imperial citizens) are generally greeted with close scrutiny. The kingdom has never sought war with the empire—a nation well-known for its duplicity and desires for domination. But the Shining Kingdom has also held firm against the encroaching advance of the empire over the years, until the imperial nobles decided to turn on one another instead.
Many travelers who claim to be refugees, fleeing the wrath of one of the empire’s noble houses have arrived at the kingdom’s eastern border over the years. For the most part, these weary wanderers are what they seem. But spies are not uncommon. As a result, travelers arriving from the east generally receive a much colder welcome, unless they are kingdom-born.
Wanderer’s Warning:
Openly attempting to enter the Shining Kingdom from the eastern border as an imperial citizen can have critical consequences, including interrogation and imprisonment. Traveling under some kind of disguise or under the cover of darkness might be preferable (especially since the guards on the Dharakmeni side of the border will be reluctant to let you leave if you are a local seeking a means of escape).
The kingdom guards stationed on the eastern border are the warrior descendants of those who helped to keep the empire’s previous attempts of invasion at bay. Bribery is not recommended.
