As your group approaches the Black Cliffs of the mighty Porthmos river, you realize you have
finally arrived at your destination, Oppara.
A long line of people appear, waiting to enter the city through the
fabled Lion’s Gate. In the distance you
can see the city, its many stone and mosaic buildings standing as a reminder of one of the greatest empires the world had ever seen. Still, there is an electricity here, as if the city is almost a living thing,
full of chaos and energy. Rising above
the walls is the Imperial Palace, home to the Grand Prince Stavian III
himself. You recall what Heschen told
you, that he would meet you at the Inn of the Conquest’s End in the district
known as Aroden’s View by tonight.
As As
you walk through the Lionsgate district your senses are assaulted with the
sights and sounds of cooking food, street performers, and corner philosophers
spouting theories about every such subject.
Robyn tells you that she is headed to the Pathfinder Lodge, and will
check in with you later at your inn. She
says that she will look into transportation to Absalom, that perhaps they can
catch a ride on a society vessel.
you are
ushered through the gates, Tala is eyed up and down by the guards, but beyond
that, your entrance is uneventful.
The hustle and the bustle is a far cry from the calm of
Belhaim. Shops of every sort, selling
almost anything the mind can conjure, seem to exist here. Yet, while the excitement of this smorgasbord
of possibilities is intoxicating, each of your minds drifts to your real
purpose here…the letters in each of your pockets, addressed to the Grand
Prince, naming each of you Knights of Taldor.
Dudes. I am soooo glad you remembered the name of the Inn. Would have taken me for-ev-er to find Heschen in here.
ReplyDeleteThorbjörn squints at the letter to the Grand Prince and mutters, "A knight, eh? I wonder if he'd consider making me an honorary member of the Ulfen Guard instead--or even an actual member who can serve his year when this adventure is done." He looks up from the letter and continues, "Many warriors from my homeland come south to try to join them. Most are turned away. It was a retired Ulfen Guardsman who first introduced me to the worship of Gorum in my youth. The Guard protects the crown of Taldor and the Grand Prince himself..."
ReplyDeleteThomas does not look around as he seems well aware of his surroundings. Having passed through the Lionsgate, he says to the group, "Gents and ladies... Welcome to Oppara. Whatever you may be looking for, you can find it here. I know that we have some extra items that we have recently acquired. There are a variety of places to unload extra merchandise here. We could find any number of merchants here throughout the Lionsgate district. If you are looking to haggle, I'd suggest heading toward the Grandbridge district. Spanning the gap between the two major port areas, it is full of shops and markets. The most "culturally diverse" area is probably down close to the docks themselves in what is called the "Gray Market". If you are looking for more "high-end gear", then perhaps we should ascend up to Imperial Square, where the sits the Imperial Palace. Surrounding the Palace square are a number of merchants who sell the cities finest in food, clothing, arms and armor. If there is anything specific you are looking for, let me know. I might know a guy that could help.
ReplyDeleteSince it seems that we have a couple hours before our meeting w/ the Grand Prince himself, I think we have time to sell off any unwanted items as well as do some quick shopping. I, myself, need to check in w/ my commanding officer since I am back in town. After that, we should head to the Inn of the Conquest's End to prepare for our "knighting". Might I also recommend those who have never been to Oppara before spend some time in Aroden's View (the district where the Inn is located), as it provides the best view of the city itself as well as the river valley below.
Thom, I could totally use your guidance brah. I am NOT a city person and this place is huuuuuuge. I got my wishlist for the various and sundry tools of the trade... and it would be cool to taste some like, exotic dishes and stuff. Not that rabbits and deers aren't delicious. It's just, you know, repetitious.
ReplyDeleteI would be most gracious for your help in not getting ripped off. You know what they say: "a fool and his money are soon departed..."
After we attend to uh, business I guess, I would so be down for soaking in the view. It's not every day a poor wandering woodsman such as myself gets to the big city.
Oh, and I guess we should clean up for this knighting thing or whatever. How do dudes generally present themselfs for such affairs?
I might need a fresh set of threads so as not to offend the most honorable poohbahs and all with my scruffyness.
We have many places we must go, and much we must do in Oppara. We can either move as a force, together and strong, which may be out best choice as this is a strange and grand city. I would not want to lose anyone, and we do not yet know what has happened to that strange blue tattoo'd man... I do think we need to make our purchases and sales, I would hope we could go to the Castle to discover when and where we should be to receive an audience with the Prince.... I suspect we will not be instantly ushered into his hall for a knighting ceremony. And then we can end the evening at the Inn with Heshen...
ReplyDeleteIs everyone with me? Stay together and move in that order, or is there something I am not considering???
"Chad, my friend, might I suggest one stop before we go shopping. There are some fantastic bathhouses around town. I think a good soak before meeting w/ his highness is in order. And, personally, I think soon would be better than later for the sake of the rest of us."
ReplyDelete"Kulman, staying together is fine. At a minimum, we could all head toward the Inn of Conquest's End to get rooms. If people want to make special trips from there, at least they will know where to return. My understanding from Heschen is that the Grand Prince (or more likely someone from his retinue) will make contact w/ us at the the Inn."
"Therefore, I suggest we head straight to the Inn, get a few rooms, then head out to BATHE, sell/purchase as needed, and run whatever errands others require before our meeting this evening."