You find yourselves standing side by side in a line, in the throne room within the royal palace inside the grand city of Polotskia, the capital city of Vazdovistok. The room itself is a testament to the wealth of the royalty. The massive carpet you stand on is composed of the finest velvet, and the walls are lined with tapestries, all of which depict great battles, fought during much happier times.
The floor is a clean, white marble, and the same goes for the columns that line the room. Ahead of you, is King Dardka Kailovich himself, sitting in a magnificent looking throne made of a single piece of marble, and wearing an exquisitely made set of plate armor. It has a golden sheen to it, and is adorned with a large purple cape and a bonnet of feathers on the helmet. To his left and his right, stands a knight, armored similarly to the king and carrying firearms in their hands, with two handed swords on their backs. They eye you menacingly, but remain stoic and straight.
Standing at the foot of the throne is a goblin, his face concealed by his large hood. The goblin carries a staff that at the very end is shaped like a crescent moon with a wicked smile on it.
The more perceptive characters will notice that there is a small badge that stands out on his robe among the various talismans attached to it.
The badge is that of High Court Wizard.
Zinder stared out from the base of the throne at the assortment of individuals that had been chosen. He looked bored, and was playing with a little flame in his hands, the bright orange and yellow snaking between his fingers. King Dardka nodded at him, and he sprung to work, adopting an orator's voice as he raised his arm and staff. "King Dardka Kailovich, ruler by divine right of all Vlazdovistok, welcomes you to his palace!" He yelled out, making himself and his scratchy voice heard. "You, either through distinction, profession, or history..." He trailed off, looking at Lukas for a few moments.
"...have been chosen by King Dardka for a special mission, in which the very future of the realm lies at stake. If you accept, you will come with me for briefing. If you refuse...well...let's leave that for speculation." He continued, and carefully stepped down the marble steps towards the lined up adventurers. He seemed to be awaiting an answer.