City Gates: Era XV (PC's post when you enter and exit!)

[Ab'reth Yelkith]

Early Ponutis, in the Season of Winter.

Three souls moved towards the gate together. There were two vysstichi and their slave, a young sea elven female. Ar'ileth and he both had visas. They had a claim to the empire's citizenship, though it wasn't theirs to use.

A few crowns and a person could buy the protection of the law. It was a wonderful thing.

Stepping forward Ab'reth passed his visa to the guard and gave the man a slight smile.

"My name is Ax'in Vare'diwan, this is my wife and our slave Ilista Ar-Feiniel. We're visiting the city with an interest in residing here." He explained, not feeling that there was need for much else. This city was known for it's larger Vysstichi population. It'd be a good place to take shelter, study and develop a power base.

They'd go home someday. They'd see Herozzal again.

[Ar'ileth Yelkith]

Whilst Ar’ileth had not taken much of a pleasure in the travelling itself, (the desert was far too hot, with the sand getting into far too many less than appealing places,) she was reasonably glad to be here. Herozzal was home for them, as it would always be, but politics had played a part in seeing the both of them leave, their sweetest, most favoured of pets kept in tow. Ar’ileth had learned of a planned assault on her life and, whilst not surprising given vysstichi society and what they were, it was not something which she truly intended to lose.

They had entered Imperia with a particular purpose in mind- to grow in power, to excel, and to return to Herozzal at the right time. They would cut a swath of destruction to those who had wronged them- those who had wronged her, to be more precise- before taking their place at the head of House, right at the very, bitter end.

The female vysstichi said not a word as they reached the dark city’s gates, though she did extend her visa for the guardsman to see. As with Ab’reth, hers was fake, proclaiming her to be one ‘Brell Vare’diwan,’ though in actuality she was not.

It shouldn’t have mattered, really, given that visas dictated little more than name and race. The dark princess of Yelkith truly doubted that anything could go amiss, though the possibility held her guarded, just the tiniest smidgen, at least.

ooc:Timestamp same as Ab'reth's above (:

[Ilista]

Same timestamp

One had been calm, the other a mite uncomfortable, the third had experienced absolute misery. Sun and sand as far as her eyes could see. The sea elf said nothing as they approached the guards, but looked out past the city gates to the city beyond. Ilista could deal with life under the earth, the darkness, the dampness, even the chill of snow.

But days spent in the dry air, beating down sun, and endless water stealing sand had wilted the slave like crops in a drought. How she had longed for water, not just to drink, to bathe her skin, her eyes, her gills, her hands and feet.

They had pasted the desert and its hot sands, into grass lands, then trees, and finally the telera could smell the familiar salty sent of the sea, and was energized, almost invigerated at the thought, the possiblity, of a bath, or better yet, the sea.

The telera said nothing to the guards, barely looked at them, waiting for the pair to move on once again and see what the twins had in mind, now that they were finally where they desired to be at last.

[Leynore]

Leynore was tired from his long journey but trudged forwards without hesitation with his animals following.
He walked towards the guard and heard him speak although not really listening. Leynore handed his visa to the guard "My name is Leynore, my business is personal and I come from Narim. I carry what you see, a Bastard Sword, Katana and a Wakizashi." Leynore did not tell the guard about hidden weaponry, the poisoned dagger & 39 Shuriken
All Leynore could think about was Nemic, who he knew he would probably never see again

[Dignitas]

Ab'reth, Ar'ileth, and Ilista

A large dark elf population did hold in the twisted city that was Imperia. All the same, despite this population demographic, there were still the smallest of hard feelings and suspicions to those of elvin lineage. Light and dark, but of course as with so many places in the Empire a dark elf was nearly always more suspicious then their sun drenched cousins. Yes, the silent rivarly and contempt toward Silrosia and its past intereference in Imperia still held true. And of course, such a thing was ironic that Imperians would hold a prejudice toward the long eared ones, if for nothing else this entire city wouldn't be here without the old Sylrosyan Confederacy. Despite all this trival information the gaurd said nothing to the trio as their turn in line came up. With but a cursory glance at the two visas and a deep inspection of the features of Ilista they were allowed through. Perhaps as they passed the wind would carry the slightest mumbling of the gaurd. It held two letters one of which was "Fethin" the other being "Barbari."

But what would it matter? He was just a lowly guardsmen who would never advance past the dullary and pitifullness of his current station. The two dark elfs and their slave, they however had plans that would show their true potentials.
Ab'reth, Ar'ileth, and Ilista are now in Imperia. Have fun, don't kill too many people!

Leynore

The gate had seen many coming and goings this brightenig. A rather uneventful day beside the norm. Gateman Wallace attended to duty today, stuble still lining his very muscular chin from a long night at one of Imperia's more devious hideouts. His eyes squinted in the overcast even the dual day stars didn't shine so brightely through the clouds. His head throbbing he barely spoke as he just waved people in just hoping to end his shift and go lay down. A hangover, thats what they called it.

However, he was in no mood to be trifled with and decided, obviously to take his anger at the Gods fortune of his headache out on Leynore. Laughing boisterously he turned to his fellow guards in a show of mock amazement. "Ah, ya 'ear that boys? 'Says 'is business is 'is own." The other guards laughed to a bit, for this wasn't the way it worked in this city. As if someone flicked a swithch is laughing smile faded instantly and was replaced by a very dissaproving scowl. Coming close enough where Leynore could smell last nights drink on his breath he said in low tones with a very condescending voice. "Let me tell ya a 'ting or two beastmaster. When ya in 'tis city your buisness is my business. Got it?" How Leynore wanted to proceed was up to him.

[Leynore]

Leynore had not been thinking straight, 'what are you doing?' he thought to himself......'there are too many guards around to deal with this poor excuse for security........his time will come'
He addressed the guard "Apologies sir, I was not thinking, I am simply here as a traveller and will be gone again before long........I shall not cause you any trouble" Leynore could smell the pungent aroma of stale beer on the guards breath "Pray if I see you around town I would like to offer my apologies by way of a drink" he smiled at the guard, knowing that soon Leynore would have revenge on the guard for thinking he could be disrespectful and get away with it because he had the backing of other guards

[Logan Drake]

Second Cycle of Kalendryas

Stepping through the gates of Imperia, Logan Drake could not help but grin devilishly at the thought of finally being in this legendary city of darkness, crime, and decadence; knowing full well that his path to journey would have to first start here. Finding the city of Iefferon far too "giddy" for his perverse taste, the enormous Vagaran wanderer had set out nearly two months ago, leaving a trail of murdered vagrants and beggars far too unimportant to notice in his wake.

With his enormous height and impressive physique ( more than six feet tall and weighing two hundred pounds), the odd-looking adventurer met very little trouble from the smaller guardsmen posted at the city gates, his massive Zweihander Greatsword on his back dissuading the local authorities from questioning him further.

He had heard of the possibility of learning the "dark arts" from rumors in Arakmat, and sought greater power for himself here...

"I come here for pleasure, little man..." spoke the enormous Vagaran, towering over the head guard by at least an entire foot, "Pleasure... and education..."

[Archalen Andares]

50th of Imperos, Era XIV.

In the late candle-marks of the day, with the brightening sun setting over the North Sea did the once Thane, Archalen Andares, look toward the city that had been under his charge for so long now. Or at least, it had seemed very long. He had achieved much, he decided, and done good and worthy works here. He had cut down crime, raised the standard of living, rebuilt an enitre city from ashes. By the gods, he had done well. And yet, the flame of service pressed on in the frail body of the young man, compelling him to seek out distant lands to further prove himself and his merit. With this and his trusted guards and aides at his sides he nodded approvingly at the city of Imperia; in full faith that he made a difference.

Turning around he raised his arm and pointed towards the horizon. Slowly, the wheels of the caravans in his procession turned and creaked. His belongings, most of which were just minor items were loaded and packed carefully in the two wagons. And of course, his small bonus was included, a full sum of one and one half million crowns that he had helped himself to from the coffers of the city rebuilding funds. A smug grin graced the scarred face of the esh'lahier. Imperia, oh how this young man woes for your savage corruption and cruel administrave costs! Books and accounts were easily changed before he left, himself having the full power and authority to do so and even then who could bring prove that he was such a culprit when he had done nothing but good while in office here. After all, it was well deserved that much he could justify to himself. Chuckling at the thought he turned his horse away from the city of the bay one final time and pressed further into the twilight of the brighteing. Eventually becoming a shadow his procession drifted out of sight and in one regard, out of the history of Imperia.

[Gnaia]

Mid-Brightening
50th Brightening of Ponutis
Era XV Post Fractum
Chronosynch: Ancient Veil Enshrouds Silrosia

Songstamp: Nobuo Uematsu - Tonight

Gnaia and Thom were standing wearily in line for what had seemed hours before they finally made it to the gates of Imperia. After their adventure in the veiled woods of Syl'rosia, Gnaia, at least, was quite ready for a warm bed and some time away from Thom. Perhaps a chance to find herself a new companion so she could send this sour apple on his way.

Thom's thoughts while standing in line were only on how to keep them safe in this very dangerous city. One of the most dangerous cities in the Empire, this was Imperia. Thom walked a little behind Gnaia, who was as ever pushing ahead and being quite excitable about everything. One of these days... Thom thought exasperatedly.

"Little girl..." He said warningly when Gnaia started to run ahead, paying no heed to the guards or the other people around them.

Gnaia stopped. "What now tommy-boy?" she teased.

Then the nearest guard spoke boredly, "State yer name, yer business, and where ya came from. Show us yer visa and inform us what weaponry you 'ave wiv ya."

Gnaia beamed brightly at him and replied excitedly, "I'm Gnaia, and he's Thom. I'm just the prettiest girl from High Peak, and I chose to come visit your city!" She showed him her visa. "Weapons? What use does a pretty girl have for those?" Thom then showed the guard his visa and let a corner of his hood fall back a little to reveal his scarred face. Thom also indicated his sword sheathed at his waist and his knife also sheathed, opposite the sword.

The guard didn't even blink as he said, still in a woodenly bored tone, "In wiv ya."

[Riconus Xind'ell]

TS: Early Pontius, Winter
---

While it wasn't a particularly long journey, the weather these ten men found themselves in was on the exact opposite extremes. Starting their trials from the blinding snow of Frigid River, the were finally able to make it through the Arakmatian Desert, to land themselves in Imperia, upon the orders of their commander, Earl General Riconus Xind'ell.

These ten soldiers belonged to a free militia entitled the Sapphire Guard, who had regiments in virtually every corner of the Empire, and were keen on starting yet another one. Imperia had been an untapped resource for the Guard, which would strike some as surprising, for where better could you find men looking to risk everything for a few crowns than a city as tough as this dark city by the bay?

However, these Sapphire Guardsmen were hardly your run-of-the-mill freedom fighters, and few could contest that they were not an ideal lot to send to Imperia. These ten men were pure mercenaries, willing to do what it took to get any job done, especially those of more... questionably legitimate circumstances. Instead of carrying the typical scutum and spear that most SG soldiers wore, attached to their belts were that of two scimitars each. Otherwise, their chainmail hauberk, two-toned blue tabard and steel skull cap were the same standard issue of the Sapphire Guard.

One of the ten men, a right ugly bastard with a scar that ran from the bridge of his nose to the right side of his jaw, approached the Imperian guards first, carrying the visas of himself, as well as the other men in his contingent. "Aye, serale." said the soldier in a piggish, uncivilized tone. "Teh name's Aytron Potter, Sergeant o' da Sapphire Guard. We're 'ere ta... promote our organization, so if ya dun mind lettin' us pass?"

With a wry grin that was full of gaps, Sgt. Potter attempted to make his way through the gates along with his men, should the Imperian Guardsmen not have any problems.

[Larien Gil'dae]

	11th brightening of Cryxatum, First Month of Spring, Era XV Post Fractum

The young woman's breath escaped from her parted lips in a soft sigh as she waited in line to be admitted to the city of Imperia, her faithful bodyguard Erivan at her side. Glancing towards the walls of the port city, she felt a small shiver of fear trickle down her spine like many droplets of freezing water. She had told herself that she would never visit that dark city of crime and shadows... but there were some things that were worth facing such unpleasantness. Her brother Eraisuithon.

"It'll be alright, arwenamin, I'm here."

The melodious baritone of the male only sufficed in adding to her worry, rather than smothering it as had surely been his intention. She had one sword to protect her in a land of thieves... granted it was a sword she trusted her life with, but it was only one regardless. With that in mind, the young Gil'dae had gone to great pains to make herself as undesirable a target as was possible. She was dressed in a simple outfit of breeches and a soft blouse, with a dark green cloak thrown over her subtle curves. It was early enough in the season that a cloak wouldn't be too suspicious an accessory... unfortunately for Larien, though, given her rather feminine appearance, she wouldn't be able to pass for a man if anyone was looking too closely... but given the effeminate appearance of most male elves, perhaps she could?

She was sure Riconus would have lent her a few more guards had she merely asked it of him... but Larien disliked begging for help. True her lover was a powerful man, but that didn't necessarily mean she had to take advantage of it. She enjoyed his company, not his money or his resources.

"Larien Gil'dae, and my bodyguard Erivan Mallorn, here on personal business," she lilted as they finally came before the guards, the words falling from her lips with an almost monotonous rhythm. She had said them far too many times before. Of course the elven pair would be waved through without delay, given their harmless demeanor and valid visas. As respectable citizens of the new kingdom, why shouldn't they be?

[Kenkuroi Mithania]

Timestamp - Cryxatum, Spring, Era XV PF

Once upon a time, First Cycle of Cryxatum last era to be precise, Kenkuroi had entered through those very city gates, albeit an uncompleted gate still being rebuilt after the meteors. And he had left them after merely a cycle in the dark city by the bay, not after being abandoned by his guardian (actually he was the one who walked out), kissing a camel's ass, getting mugged, getting his ass kicked, and ultimately meeting Lyr and his little bundle of terror, Rose, whom Ken ended up babysitting for a couple of months nows. For the life of him, how on Aeternia, Telath and Aetheria did he end up with such a 'contract' was something he himself had been wondering since he took up the job. Not that he regretted doing so, it had been fun and eventful. Plus, there was someone to help sponsor some of his ciggies and he got to hitchike away from the pisshole that's Moonwillow. Not bad not bad....

As he left the gates of Imperia that fateful day, the half elf had vowed never to return to this place. Of course, that was just a whole load of bollocks cause look who's here now. Ta-da!

Now putting that aside, the young boy puffed on his cigarette as he impatiently presented his visa and now proudly showed his katana to the guard, who might be very well the same guard who has seen his visa once upon a time, not that Ken cared. And proudly, because once upon a time, he had only a dagger the size of a prick to show, which in the boy's mind meant he was a man now. Somewhat. Bollocks of course.

"Kenkuroi!" the half elf barked, not bothering with a full name. "Am here to get my business plan to work which will make me rich. And I ain't gon' tell you it!" the brat smirked arrogantly.

[Mixie Shadowmuffin]

Third Brightening of Cryxatum in the Season of Spring, Era XV

Traveling was not Mixie's favorite thing. It was alright traveling by darkening, but the daylight was too bright and even if one shut one's eyes, the cursed sun drove its rays into her like nails into a watermelon. She had done as much of her journey as possible walking the coast, and in the say found caves and crevices to sleep in. She had been forced to travel by daylight for the final stage of her journey, as she feared the gates of Imperia would be closed in the darkening, and arrived just before nightfall.

The dark glooming weather of Imperia was very much to her liking. As she stood in line at the gate, she gazed up gratefully at the dark clouds that choked the sun, hoping that this was how it would usually be here. She felt impatience welling up inside her, and imagined a giant iron-clad hand squeezing the unwanted emotion until it dripped out between its fingers and down the long iron spikes on the knuckles.

At last, it was her turn to enter. She displayed her visa without being asked, and said "Mixie Shadowmuffin. I come from Arakmat, and hope to find work...doing something nice for children. Perhaps at an orphange, where their broken little lives collect in drifts." Yes, that's the sort of thing a person who passes through a gate might do, she thought to herself.

[Mixie Shadowmuffin]

Fourth Brightening of Cryxatum in the Season of Spring, Era XV

Mixie left the city just before the gates closed for the night. That is the last time I try to construct my own fire place, she thought to herself. She waved her cloak, trying to air the smell of smoke from the cloth, and looked back over her shoulder to see if her pursuers were anywhere in sight.

[Lirael Galanodel]

Day Five of the First Week of The Month of Cryxatum

Lirael nodded to the guards as she approached the gates from within, Visa at the ready. After going through the customary showing of ID's and weaponry, she flashed the guard in question a smile before slipping out the gates and down the road.