Era XIII: Les Portes (The Gates: South, West, East) NEW PCS POST HERE FIRST!

[Heartbreaker]

La Porte du Sud

Along the Southern Wall of the City lay La Porte du Sud, the only land-based Gate through which the Gift of the Empire could be accessed. Jaedaxia, born again from the ashes of civil war and Imperially sanctioned quarantine, land of education, art and culture, stood defiant once again after nearly 600 eras of isolation and perhaps only ten of being reopened to foreigners. Nearly two eras ago the Citizens of the Gift of the Empire declared their independence from the Imperium, and one era ago, the city had been re-conquered, passed back into the sovereignty of the Aelyrian Empire. The city was now beset by poverty, plague, incessant violence due to the desperate insurgents, and under military occupation. Nevertheless, her grandiloquent, pulchritudinous buildings still stood unscathed, and the only people whose blood had been spilled by the Imperial soldiers were those rebels who fought after the surrender. Jaedaxia had lost her independence, but avoided brutal annihilation.

To this very day the Gates stood open, welcoming any and all willing to brave the harsh climate of the Libertine Peninsula. A land eternally wrapped in winter's unforgiving embrace, the fierce, biting winds rolled mercilessly and endlessly ashore from the mighty Sea, ensuring that sleet and snow were not the only contributors to the bone-chilling atmosphere. The proud, rebellious port once stood nearly forgotten by the peoples of the Empire, and now, be it through diplomacy or war, all would remember the Kingdom of Jaedaxia forever. While once it had been forsaken by the Empire, Jaedaxia, upon its secession, had become the center of attention of the Emperor, for a time – just long enough for him to send the Second Imperial Legion to reclaim it for the Empire. Although it had been neglected and ignored by the Empire for centuries, it was still important enough to warrant the march of the Second Imperial Legion from Centripax to this far-flung corner of the Empire. The Gift of the Empire promised acceptance and understanding of all who entered, no matter who or what anyone chose to be.

Hundreds of men from the Imperial Legion manned the southern wall, and a dozen stood near the monstrous wrought-iron gates, vigilantly checking Visas and weapons before admitting anyone into the City. They made no exceptions as the line of travelers continued its slow and steady pace through snow that had not, as of yet, abandoned its occupation of the Great White North. Seasons had changed once already though the weather had not, and as the days wore on, any visitor in the Dragon’s Spire would take note that the climate showed no signs whatsoever of becoming any warmer, and the land no less blanketed by luminescent flakes of crystalline snows.

La Porte d’Est

From the docks to Le Porte d'Est; such was the journey that had to be made before reaching the shelter of the city itself. The freezing winds billowing from the mighty Sea were fierce and unforgiving, more often than not bringing sleet and snow along with them in their seemingly relentless search for winter's next victim. The Port of Jaedaxia--one of two, actually, the other, Le Porte à l'Ouest, lay across the Peninsula, facing its proverbial adversary, the Fortress-City of Arkdün. In ages past, this place had been the very seat of rebellion, under the tutelage and financial support of none other than MGanzi Hal, a Chesleyan monarch that had been born in the long-forgotten island nation of Rau. Today, it stood as a sentinel far to the north of most of the Empire, its culture and people almost forgotten by the modern World.

Having endured long centuries of isolation and civil war, and having been written off by the Empire as a whole, the Jaedaxian peoples were until only recently considered nearly obsolete. At least, until the day the somewhat xenophobic society had reopened its gates to the rest of the Medonian continent and welcomed the citizens of Aelyria inside its walls for the first time in generations. For nearly a decade now the Gift of the Empire had maintained good relations with the outside world, the same one that had forced it into exile to begin with, but today… today was a different story. Almost two eras had passed since Jaedaxia officially renounced the Imperium… the Emperor had promised swift retribution for their ‘act of rebellion’, and it had arrived. Though the city was under heavy occupation, there was one bright side. The blockade of the Trillian navy on Jaedaxia’s two ports had been lifted, and trade was again open in the Freeport. However, there was little, for the ships that had used the city as a depot had all moved to Archadoon or Tirisfal during the secession, and the city was too poor to import anything, and had nothing to export.

Several Guards stood watch near the monstrous wrought-iron gates, checking Visas and weapons before admitting anyone into the City, making no exceptions as the dwindling line of travelers continued to pour in from the Docks.

La Porte d’Ouest

In the relative shelter that the Libertas Bay afforded, Le Porte à l'Ouest was decidedly the warmer and friendlier of the two Sea Gates. Winter's chill was not quite so strong here, and although it could still be felt, 'twas not nearly so unbearable as Le Porte d'Est. As the walls embraced the City in the East, so too did the fifteen foot behemoths stand watch over the West, wrought-iron gates facing the freeport’s proverbial adversary, the Fortress-City of Archadoon, whose name had only recently been changed to reflect shifts in power that were incomprehensible to the Jaedaxian people. The only conclusion that could be reached by the citizens of the Kingdom was one of contemptible reasoning… Arkdün had either crumpled under the pressure of Imperial threats, or sought to improve its status in the Empire by shaming itself and its previously well-regarded name. The latter of the two could only be accomplished through complete surrender to whatever the Emperor wished, and groveling at his feet when perhaps he chose to bestow favor upon those in high power. Granted, the Gift of the Empire could make no more accurate an assessment than the ordinary citizen, but what most could not understand was how, if House Arkdün had been disbanded by the Imperium, they could then wield enough power within the city to bring about shifts in power such as the ones that had just been executed.

Whatever the case, one of the Kingdom’s more powerful allies had been lost. The changes sweeping through the Pearl of Libertas Bay were monstrous in scope and foreboding in nature… leaving Jaedaxians suspicious of Arkdün’s leaders and citizens alike. Though Le Porte à l'Ouest no longer saw nearly as much traffic as it was formerly accustomed to, still it stood open, admitting all travelers who sought entrance, excepting perhaps residents of Arkdün, who were usually regarded with skepticism and scorn. However, in the name of peace, they would be allowed entrance alongside anyone else, as long as their intentions were good and just.

Several Guards stood watch near the monstrous Western gates, checking Visas and weapons before admitting anyone into the City and making no exceptions as the diminutive line of travelers continued to trickle in from the Docks.








Written mostly by GM Blaize (the Western Gates entirely by GM Blaize), updated slightly by GM Wynd, updated slightly again by GMAqua and edited slight again by GM Heartbreaker.

[Triel Xythan'tor]

Timestamp: 20th Cryxatum, Spring, Era I of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIII (pf) - South Gates, Early Morning

It had been a long walk, a very long walk. The cloaked woman was tired and wanted nothing more than to find a room so she could curl up and get some sleep for at least a brightening, maybe to. During winter, Triel had intended to visit the city of Jaedaxia so she could find out how her business was progressing. But, the Narim war and the events in Imperia had kept her away. Now she was finally able to walk to the city and deal with whatever situation might await her there. First and foremost, she wanted a bath and a proper meal. Then, she would rest for a brightening and then go to investigate her cafe. Maybe she would poke around the city to see if anyone would be interested in the Vampire Dust she had too. It was useful in spellcasting, but wouldn't be of use to her anytime soon. As she came closer to Jaedaxia, something was painfully obvious.

There was no snow.

Red eyes blinked under the hood as she realised that it was all gone. The EverWinter was over, which she found to be saddening as it made the city unique. It was true that Triel didn't particularly like the cold, but she always found that small aspect of Jaedaxia somehow enchanting. Now it was gone, over for good. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she trudged towards the gates. A gloved hand slipped into her pouch and produced the Visa that she needed to prove whom she was. This was handed to the guard and the Vysstichi woman smiled softly, stating who she was. "Serale. My name is Triel Xythan'tor and i'm here in your city to check on a business that I own... and to relax a little."

Assuming all went well, she took her Visa back and placed it into her pouch. Then, she promptly wandered into the city and towards the Cafe that she owned. It was time to see how it was progressing.

[Heartbreaker]

OOC: Welcome home, Triel. =-)

[Gamada]

OOC: I hope this is acceptable...

Timestamp: Late Afternoon on the 3rd brightening of the first cycle in Cryxatum, Spring.

IC:
Gamada had been walking on land for some time now, he lost count of the brightenings even though they were only few. He had never been one to care for such things as time. In fact it had only been two brightenings that he had traveled though it seemed much longer. Taking naps here and there would get many confused on which day of travel they were on as it seemed to be taking forever. He didn’t mind to much though, he enjoyed life and the prospect of traveling was great for the Lutan. Maybe he would see something new, meet someone new, or do something new. Time would only tell.

”Soons must be getting to city. Heard it wasn’t far” He said aloud walking on all four of his feet. He couldn’t read and his speech was far from perfect but he didn’t know this yet. He had only come in contact with member of his Lotholt and the odd male that joined seemed (to them at any rate) take different and funny. With time he would learn that his family spoke different than the rest of the empire, which was right? That was left up to the interpretation of an individual.

Gamada turned around to see all the ground he had covered since his last nap and decided that he needed to trek forward a little more before he took another one. He was a lazy sort and wished he had taken a friend to play with during his adventure but he was alone. Shortly he could see a giant wall, he paused where he was an just glanced at it. There seemed to be no entrances, maybe to the side he thought and raced off on all fours towards the wall he seen. He ran down the side of the massive walled structure until he found a gate.

When he got there he was asked for a visa. Scratching his head Gamada tried to think of he had one, perhaps he meant the papers that one traded. So from his armpit he pulled a banknote and held it to the guard who then explained that he needed identification not money. That’s when he remembered the other thing he had, wrapped in the banknotes he pulled out a card and showed the guard who he was. He was then allowed entrance to the city.

[Heartbreaker]

OOC: Perfectly fine! Welcome to Jaedaxia! =-)

[Reiko S. Darkson]

Early Afternoon, the 12th Brightening of Cryxatum, Spring Era XIII PF

La Porte d’Est
Borne out of frustration, Reiko's visa and port papers were presented to the guards. The fierce sea winds had set his hair and appearance wrought with an unkempt, disheveled fodder to the cold air. Yes, the EverWinter was over, but the sea gusts were still chilly. And holding onto the papers and his identification proved difficult.

"Serale," Reiko said. "I'm a trader from Imperia. I'm here to sell some textile goods and buy some furniture." He reached up and patted his hair, a little, attempting to enforce order. He then tugged on his tunic and patted it quickly. If all went well, he walked into Jaedaxia a determined man.

[Heartbreaker]

OOC: Welcome to Jaedaxia! =-)

[Sevette]

The 43rd Brightening of Cryxatum. Spring of Era I of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIII Post Fractum

La Porte du Sud

Sevette paused to adjust her bag on her shoulder, the weight of it had been growing heavier ever day. With the bag now slung over her shoulder once again, her now slightly-worn harp tucked under her arm, and sword at her side; Sevette countinued at a faster pace as she neared the gates of Jaedaxia. Finally. It had been a long enough journey, though not as long as some as she had traveled, and she planned to stay here for at least a few cycles maybe more. What her main hope was though, was to touch up her skills with the harp.

She soon reached the gates, and pulled out her visa letting the guard who asked for it to look at it and allow her access into the city.

[Heartbreaker]

OOC: Welcome to Jaedaxia!

[Reilly]

Timestamp for Grim: 1st Aperitus, Spring Era XIII PF

Reilly was bored.

That was pretty much the story of her life, but it was the case once again now. After her adventures in Demios and Archadoon, she'd decided to go back to her father's house in Enamoria rather than, you know, actually do any more work. Her father hadn't exactly been happy that he'd come home and interrupted his Reilly-free vacation, but he'd been willing to put up with her for a while -- a while which had pretty much ended now. Hence, her visit to Jaedaxia.

Jaedaxia. Elise had liked Jaedaxia, the stuck-up prig of a sister. But she'd left, as Reilly had found out when they'd accidentally met, in Riparia of all places. Elise said that Jaedaxia used to be fun, but that the occupation and all that had combined to make it a good deal less fun.

But now the rebellion was over, and the Everwinter was over, and Reilly thought that might make Jaedaxia more fun. It'd be great if she was the one who found out that it was, while Elise was sulking in a corner in some awful hole like Riparia. It was possible, even, that Reilly might run into her mother here, though she didn't know whether she particularly liked that idea.

At any rate, she sauntered up to the gate, dressed in a fetching red dress that brought out the highlights in her hair. It wasn't ordinary travel attire, perhaps, but Reilly was never one who would want to be thought of as an ordinary traveler. She handed her visa over with a flourish.

"I'm Reilly, and I've been told I'd enjoy a visit here. I'm bound and determined to make sure it happens," the half-elf said as she was waved through.

[Heartbreaker]

OOC: Welcome to Jaedaxia! =-)

[Rhiannon Xind'ell-Anulindrael]

42nd Cryxatum, Spring, Era I of the Celestine Mandate

La Porte du Sud

Rhiannon arrived at the gates of Jaedaxia, once home to her patroness, Madame Gravement. She was very relieved to have finally arrived at her destination for business after such a long and wretched ride, even within the shelter of a carriage. Brightenings of a bumpy ride could make one's bum quite bruised. However, it was an auspicious time to undertake long journeys in the months of Spring. Of that she was grateful.

Before the gates and guards, her white arm draped in green linen emerged from the window, holding a Visa to prove her legitimacy. She stated her reason and was allowed entry.

ooc: *waves at Hearbreaker!* Look, <-- we are both dreaming.

[Heartbreaker]

OOC: Welcome to Jaedaxia! Hmmm...interesting...very interesting....=-) I saw that 'dreamy' avvies should be the new black.

[Godah]

Fifth Brightening of Ioannes, Summer of Era I of the Celestine Mandate.
Era XIII After the Aethergem Fracture. First candlemark after sunrise.

Summer was Emperror on the lands of Alleria. Summer was Emperror everywhere. Only with spears and swords could a Emperror impress Jaedaxia and spread his power on it but Summer needed no legions. Not this Era was laughing Summer at the ever winter; not this Era will you be crowned Emperror. The white crystals of cold misery that trapped a jewel were no more.

Godah didn't appreciate the cold nor did he love the white desert. Within the carriage and under his fur he watched the freed lands of Jaedaxia and the traces od water, everywhere. The fading memory of baking sands and oasis water was swirling in his mind as he aproached, among the caravan coming from Tearsfall, the gates of Jaedaxia. La Porte du Sud.

A glance at the gates...there were soldiers everywhere; not something the dorin appreciated at all. Jaedaxia was in dire situation, the fate of any rebel. Some rebels learned to take different paths as the brightenings went by.

"Shahef El Hattar, from Archadoon. A merchant. I seek business opportunities."

He said to the imperial soldier as he handed him a visa. He was not there for business, at least not a merchant's one. He was there to report to his superiors; he was a spy.

[Heartbreaker]

OOC: In you go, and welcome! =-)