[Enter here - Self Mod] The Gates to Riparia

[BlueberryKitty]

Nestled at the foot of the mountains in the Northwestern portion of Centripax lies the bustling city of Riparia. It is a city of trade, commerce and industry that welcomes travelers and merchants from all over the Empire. Even from a distance merchant caravans can be seen arriving at the large stone- and iron- bound gates on the Southern wall while tall whirls of smoke rise from the mines to the East.

There is the sad tale of how this fair city was damaged not once but twice by a volcano's wrath, destroying many a living thing in its path. The offending volcano, named Aslan's Forge for reasons long forgotten, sits menacingly over the city, seeming to act as a sentry ever watchful of the goings on below. The surrounding mountains meanwhile are alive with the sound of dwarven machinery, mining operations being one of the main sources of work here.

The city's placement at the base of the mountains offers some protection from biting winds and driving rain. Coming closer to the gates, the noise within grows in volume. But for now the large stone walls hide the city and only through the gate itself can the busy streets be glimpsed. Glancing at the other arrivals and departures, it is clear to see a diversity of races. Dwarves come to mine the mountains, elves to tend the Ashkin Woods to the West and all other races to trade their wares in the busy streets.

The Riparian Guard are the first to be encountered at the Southern entrance, stopping new arrivals and checking their visas. These are proud men, determined to keep their city fair and just. If Aslan's Forge could not break their spirits, a common thief or criminal would have even less chance.

"Serale. Your visa, and your business, please; before you enter the city. If you have any questions, now would be the time to ask them."

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NPCs - Please self-moderate your arrival into Riparia.

There are any number of Riparian Guards on duty at any given time so usually their names are not given. Should you require to speak to somebody of a higher rank, you may request an audience with one of the two Gate Captains.

- Captain Dalegan (human)
- Captain Elrulus (elf)

[Rhysean B'veckss]

Late Cryxatum in the Summer of Era XI in the Age of the Darkening

The gates of Riparia coming within view, Rhysean sighed with relief. He had not expected the trip from Primus Gaudeo to be such a tedious one, the distance far longer than he had imagined. Still, he had made it across the Centripaxian Heartlands in one piece, which was of course what mattered.

He still wasn't exactly sure why he had decided to head all the way to Riparia, the strange dreams perhaps the start of the thoughts of leaving his home in Primus Gaudeo. He would return, there was no doubt about that, but not before he had found out what his dreams were trying to tell him. It they were trying to tell him anything at all that was. Rhysean just hoped he would find out soon.

The youth flipped up his visa upon reaching the guard, the question of what his business in Riparia was catching him slightly off guard. Telling the guard that he was looking for someone whom he did not really know would certainly make him suspect before setting a foot beyond the gate, perhaps even have him denied entrance altogether. Luckily, Rhysean was used to small lies. "Serale my good man," he replied politely. "I am here to visit my grandfather sir, hope that's okay."

The words resulted in a nod from the guard on duty, who carefully looked over the boy's visa before handing it back. He then took a small step aside, allowing Rhysean entrance into Riparia. "Perfectly okay, son. Enjoy your time in Riparia, and stay out of trouble." The guard then turned his attention to the next person in line, a sturdy dwarf, as Rhysean slowly made his way into the city proper.

[Vaetar]

Early Immanis in the Season of Spring, of Era II of the Celestine Mandate (Current Pattern)
Era XI Post Fractum in the Age of the Darkening, the Mageocracy of Julos the Mad

Vaetar was slowly making his way to the city. He did not mind the cold at the start of his journey, but the constant rain for the past few days did. His clothes were drenched, he was cold and he was covered in mud.

He had left his small village because his mother did not live with his father. He was the bastard son to some nobleman that never looked for him. The only thing the man had done was hand him a couple of crowns and a signet ring, in return he had to promise not to return and rub the disgrace under his nose. So he left.

Fortune was on his side though, and a merchant took pity on him and sent him towards a town called Riparia with a letter to a good friend. The journey hard, in his young eyes at least, but when fog lifted he could finally see the town. There were sounds he could not identify, sights he could not describe. But there he was, with a letter, a ring and a few hundred crowns.

Stopping at the gate he silently handed the visa. When prompted with his business he replied "Looking for work and a house, and delivering a message" Eyeing the guard, he noted his first job opportunity. The guard offered a career possibility. Then he was told to move on and he walked through the gate, wondering what he would find inside.

[Ogrim]

Hour 16 of Solaria, Brightening 41 of fifth cycle of Ponutis
Spring of Era II of the Celestine Mandate
Era IX Post Fractum in the Age of the Darkening, the Mageocracy of Julos the Mad

Ogrim had left Port Alyxandrya shortly before winter. In observation it had been a foolish choice, the season, the winter month of Kalendryas, had been unsympathetic to the Orc and his Worgish companion, but still, as harsh as it had been, it was also mercifully short. During that time of frozen ground and numb limbs, Ogrim had found the trekking less than comfortable. Pickings had been frustratingly uniform, even with the Worg at his side the pair had managed to pull down handfuls of acceptable game animals each per cycle. The captured prey were rabbits of gaunt quality. So common were they that their gamey flesh became insipid to his usually rapacious palate. All the large herd animals, the deer, bison and antelope had moved to a warmer clime, to richer pastures and to generally more verdant area’s as they passed away winter in what comfort they could achieve. Unfortunately for Ogrim, this was of detriment to his traveling plans. His trek into the relatively mountainous area of Centripax which held the city known as Riparia was almost in a contradictory direction to which game would be moving, down, to the lower plains of Telath. However, as the green skin had been to Riparia on many occasions before in the past, his journey was swifter than most and it was with some considerable amount of relief that he reached the main route used to reach the municipality.

Approaching the well used trade road, Ogrim considered hitching a ride with a city bound trade caravan. It would save his stamina to some extent and also add further credence to his reason for entering Riparia, to conduct business, of sorts. On further reflection he deduced that this was not a good decision. Firstly he was an Orc, one of a hated race and even though Riparia was a city of tolerance and many knew him there, there was no assurance the carriage driver would be of a similar bent. And secondly, he could not very well ride in comfort whilst his Worg had to continue on paw, it would in his eye be cruel. They were above the “relatively” simple relationship of owner and pet. They were equals in a partnership beneficial to both. Not only that, Punishing One was perhaps the only creature Ogrim would consider as family such was the nature of their affection for one another. Her intelligence afforded a depth of understanding that simpler beasts were not able to convey or accept. The Orc trusted her implicitly. And as such, he would not leave her for something as fleeting as comfort.

Passing up the option to ride into Riparia added a brace of hours onto the duo’s traveling time. Nevertheless, it was of no consequence, actually it was of benefit as the two approached the Southern gate to the city as night had just set, therefore they would have been hidden from prying eyes under a veil of darkness, Ogrim was sure he still had some enemies lurking in the streets of the trade city. Close, but not close enough for sentries to make out definitions, Ogrim halted and spoke to Punishing One in a low tone. Naturally he spoke in Orcish as few would be able to understand what he said and she was only proficient in the Orcish language.

”Go, seek shelter to watch the city walls. When you find a suitable location enter Riparia unseen and seek me out. Be safe.”

With a brief scratch behind her ears, Ogrim watched his Worg bound off into the forestry flanking the road. She would use initiative and take care of herself. Reaching into his clothes, he groped around for his Visa, unused in months it was still where it was left and in decent condition. Clasping it in his massive hand so that it was almost comically dwarfed, Ogrim waited patiently as his turn came to be interviewed by the gate watch. Nodding politely and grunting a tired “Serale”, the Orc informed the guard in question he was attempting to enter Riparia to look for employment in the mines. Of course that was an erroneous belief, he was here to visit a former partner and in some circles, a known gang member. Obviously that would not bode well with the authorities if revealed and so a veneer of artificial facts was used for individual and municipal safety. Briefly, as indicated by a slit gaze from under an armored brow, Ogrim thought he had been foiled, contrary to what he believed; the human examining his visa was merely having trouble seeing in the dark and after a scant few heartbeats more, Ogrim was handed back his Visa and admitted into the city, to do what he may.

OOC: I’m not sure how you’re running Riparia differs from Mike and Ladon’s BlueberryKitty, but if you’ve a problem just PM me.

[Tradieus Kha'Serith]

Start of the seventh cycle of spring

The carriage came shambling into view, it was not a large carriage maybe enough room to hold four people and their luggage. This time it only carried two, the Thane himself and his adopted child, Aalhari the tiny half-dracon. The carriage, that did not belong to the Thane but was borrowed from the city of Diana, was being pulled by four chestnut mares with black manes. The driver of the carriage was of course Morton, the loyal servant of the Thane. Ahead of the group rode four Paladins utop their pure white steeds, all except one, Rumen. Rumen, the ranking Paladin of the group sat astride his horse of pure black with an air of power around himself.

The carriage and the one's leading it reached the gate, going around any others that were maybe in line to get into the city. Morton stopped the carriage a few yards behind the Paladins who were the ones that were going to talk with the gate guards. Serale, my good man. I come seeking entrance to Riperia in name of the Thane of Diana, Tradieus Kha'Serith Rumen said motioning to the carriage behind him. The Thane of Diana hmmm? the guard said as he motioned for another two guards to follow him back towards the carriage.

What is the hold up, Morton? Trad called out to Morton noticing that it was taking longer then he wanted to get inside the city. The gate guards are coming back to check the carriage and confirm your identity, my Lord Morton called back down to Tradieus. The guards had indeed went back to check the contents and riders in the carriage. Feeling the carriage rock a little as Morton got off the drivers seat Tradieus himself decided to get out to see if he could get things to move fast. What is this nonsense? he asked stepping down from the carriage. [i]Nothing Thane, just a check of the carriage and the passengers. Now that I see that it is really you we have no reason to check the contents of the baggage[/b] the human guard said to Trad as he walked back towards the gate and motioned for travel group to enter the city. Let us make haste, Morton I have things that need to be done. Trad said closing the door of the carriage. As you command was the reply from Morton.

Thus the Thane of Diana entered the city below the volcano, Riperia.

[Rhys]

Late Melora in Spring of Era XI in the Age of the Darkening

It was a sight for Rhys to see, a huge range of mountains and a valcano dominating the horizon, with a down nestled down below. No doubt that the town had probably been plagued by the volcano because of the location. He kept up behind a caravan of traders. Upon reaching the gates they arrived through and Rhys waited, he wasn't associate with them anyways.

As the caravan entered through the gates Rhys stepped uo to the guard, doing so as he said., presenting his Olympian military id and visa. "I'm here because of the article published in the herald by the mining company, I would like to help 'em out." said Rhys.

"Alright marine, head on through." said the guard as he waved him past, waiting to take the next group of people.

[Venn Drega]

20th of Melora, XI PF

He came slowly with the early mists of the nascent dawn, mounted upon a large chocolate brown stallion. He had come from the south, from the Forest City of Natura find some reprieve in anonymity.

He extended an obsidiante lacquered gauntlet that gripped his visa to the guards, his midnight coloured eyes searching their faces as if for lost companions.

But there was nothing. Not flicker of recognition. He was a stranger to Riparia. It was what he preferred.

He spoke a single word to the guards to explain his presence: "Shelter."

He retrieved his visa with a curt nod and rode without another word slowly through the gates.

[Kiesam Girhaldson]

Brightening 35 of Cryxatum
Summer of Era II of the Celestine Mandate
Era IX PF in the Age of the Darkening

It was strange how journeys went. When he'd left home, he'd had no idea where he was going, as long as it was far, far away from the memory of his parents and his past. He'd passed through many towns since then, staying in some for a few days others for far longer, trying to find some semblance of peace. He'd not yet been able to find it, though the distance he'd desired had certainly been achieved. Here, at the foothills of the mountains, he could no longer smell the brine of the ocean or the lingering sickness that had afflicted his father. Instead, his lungs were clogged with the smoke from the mines to the east, and all he could see were the two large gates that stood between him and the next city.

Kiesam was tired of travelling. Riparia was larger than High Peak and Acumin, and thus was full of more oppertunity than they had been. Perhaps he would stay here for longer. Maybe the mountains could give him a new start. "Kiesam Girhaldson, looking for buisness to have, sir." He said absently to the guard as he handed him his visa. The man inspected it quickly and waved him through. Tucking the visa back into the pocket where it belonged, Kiesam squeezed the sides of his horse and wondered what Riparia had in store for him.

[Xanta'Kun]

Midbrightening, 3rd Aslanica of Cryxatum, Summer of Era XI

Xanta urged Shadow, Dagget, and Kirran towards the magnificent gates that held sentinel over the city of Riparia. Sounds of commerce and thousands of people reached his ears, though he could not see anything inside the city other than what the gates let peek through.

Upon approaching the gates, two guards approached Xanta, both elves. "Serale. Your visa, and your business, please; before you enter the city. If you have any questions, now would be the time to ask them."

Xanta tucked Shadow's reigns under his arm and fumbled about inside his tunic for his visa. It had been quite some time since he had been asked for identification.

Finally he found the visa. "I come here to live," Xanta said, handing over his visa. He figured it'd be reason enough, and if it wasn't... well, it was the genuine truth so they'd just have to deal with it.

"Looks good, sir," the guard said, returning Xanta's visa. "May you find success in your new life here." Xanta smiled to the man as he tucked away his visa and headed into Riparia.

[Jha'rach D'Rinishad]

Dead of Night
Last Cycle of
The Month of Cryxatum
The Season of Summer
Era II of the Celestine Mandate
Era XI Post Fractum
Age of the Darkening
Paradigm: Schism in the Church of the Faith!

The ragged vysstichi prince swept up to the gates with the graceful prowess of his ancestral lineage. He wore the anonymity of the night with the experience of a hunter among wolves. His lithe step ported the obvious experience of a student of the mistress of Vortex. Every ounce of his training was used at almost all times now. It was his habit to stay hidden.

He was upon the guards of the gates of Riparia before they noted his approach. He had not directed their attention to him by sound and they lacked the sight he did among his dark environment. It had been many cycles since he had originally set out to Riparia. He had never made it to those gates. He had killed a caravan of men among this city's highlands. He would have killed another, had he found it. The guard's we're immediately cautious and edgy at his sudden silent arrival.

Some of the guards went so far as to lay hand to blade, expecting a horde of his kin behind him no doubt. He smiled at that thought. How little they knew. Had he found a horde of his kin in the highlands, he likely would have begun to kill them also. It had been a ceaseless pace through the dark highlands to make it to these gates, but the ebony skinned monstrosity was not fatigued, in fact, the blood pounding through his veins; only served to pique his senses.

He stood silently waiting for the scene to calm, to disarm these men of their obvious discomfort at his arrival in the middle of a moonless night. One rather husky lightskin finally approached a few steps, Jha'rach followed suit. The amusement had left his face prior to entering into this mans gaze, replaced with the impenetrable raptor gaze he ported seemingly incessantly.

"Serale. Your visa, and your business, please; before you enter the city. If you have any questions, now would be the time to ask them." The guard asked, the distaste in his voice poorly hidden. Evidently, this city was not unlike many others... No one was very trusting of him and his dark kin. A wise decision.

"Barra Molo is my name." He said emotionlessly in the deep rasp he had ported since an eventful day in the pits of Hon'elgg. He handed the guard the flawlesss fake visa he pulled out of the bowels of his cloak. "Just passing through, I suppose." He stated casually.

Without hesitation the vysstichi would retrieve his visa from the gate's guard and enter the city of Riparia for the first time if their we're no objections.

OOC: I'm not expecting a reply, but if you want, you can certainly do so. If you don't I'll simply assume the entrance into Riparia went off without a hitch.

[Lucious Darr]

Hour 18, Brightening 15 of the Second Cycle of Kalendryas

Winter of Era II of the Celestine Mandate
Era X PF in the Age Of Darkening, the Mageocracy of Julos the Mad
Paradigm: Valerian Supports Audrey as Empress


The young dwarf slowly made his way up to the giant gates of Riparia. He saw the many guards around the city, so he tried to stand tall (even for his hight) as he made his was closer to the guard, he saw off in the distance the Valcano's that once tore through this city. He finally made his way to the guard, and tried to present himself in a nice matter, even though he looked like a man who'd been staying in the woods for the past few months. He slowly opened his mouth.
"Hello sir, I am trying to get into the gates of Ripaia, I assure you I will cause no harm."
As they dwarf waited for the guards reply, he looked behind him to see who else would be trying to get into the heavely guarded gates of Riparia. He thought to himself...
"Hmmm, maybe one of the shopkeeps could help me find a job..."
The dwarf swung around and placed his attention onto the guard, once again.

[BlueberryKitty]

As always, there was a line of people and wagons trying to get into the city of Riparia. Being the center of a lot of trade, as well as a manufacturing city for wood and ore, nearly as many wagons were heading out as in. This didn't deter the Riparian Guard in their dark blue, crisp uniforms, however. They efficiently took visas and looked at cargos and kept everyone moving. Lucious Darr didn't have long to wait for his turn.

The Guard who held his gloved hand out for the dwarf's visa hardly looked at him. Travelers had come through the gates in much worse condition than this, even if most did come through much more civilised. Besides, dwarves were supposed to look scruffy. All one had to look at was a pair of eyes over a huge beard!

"Lucious Darr. What is your purpose in Riparia, good Dwarf?" The guard passed the visa back after a cursory inspection of it, if Lucious was kind enough to present it.

[Lucious Darr]

"Just to find a job, and to buy some equimpment. Before I go to travel the world."
Lucious Darr reached into his pockets of his wragged pants and pulled out his visa. His col, small hands handed it to the guard.

[Latha'sis'kar Q'hondar]

Latha'sis'kar Q'Hondar slowly rode up to the gates of Riparia, and slowled to a stop right next to the guard. He pulled out his visa, and waited as the guard checked it completely.

"What is your business here Mr. Q'Hondar?" the guard asked.
I am here, because I want to settle here for the time being. Just see parts of the town...
"Well I guess you are welcome to enter the city, please have a good brightening." the guard said as he let him pass. Latha'sis'kar rode into the new city...

[BlueberryKitty]

Lucious

"Be on with it then, Welcome to Riparia." The guard gave the dwarf a nod, and sent him on his way into the city without a second thought. So many came to Riparia for similar reasons there was no chance the guard might doubt for a moment the statement Lucious Darr had given.