Location The Southern Trading Post (City Entrance)

[Gillar]

The Southern Trading Post is located along the southern edge of Lake Ravok. A large, fortified tower on a small hill overlooks to the north, an impressive system of docks where a number of ships are tethered. On the southern side of the hill opposite the docks, exists a small village of sorts. Made up of semi-permanent storage structures and tents, this 'village' is the first step in trade with the city and serves as its main entry point. Nearly all trade goods as well as would-be visitors, must pass through the trading post before being allowed to the docks. The tower, docks, trade village and the surrounding land is heavily patrolled by city guards trained and employed by, The Black Sun. Although there is some amount of trade taking place in and around the trading post, the location mainly serves as a waypoint for merchants and travelers on their way to Ravok. Merchants must check their goods with the guards on duty and await permission to enter the docks and then the city. Upon passing through the trading post, one will find a small stone path leading up the hill to the tower that oversees the surrounding area. There is no wall or any other structure barring passage to the docks as the tower offers a rather fine view of anyone who may pass by without checking in. Those who attempt this sort of stunt are normally shot dead by the archers watching from the battlements. A large, heavy set of dual wooden doors offer entrance into the tower. Inside, one will find that the ground level is open with stairs leading to the upper levels and another large set of doors leading to the dock side of the tower. There are always six guards on duty within the ground level of the tower with an unknown number stationed in the upper levels. One of the guards present upon entry to the tower walks over to visitors and requests their name, intention and requires them to check any weapons with the guards on duty. A record of the person's entry is recorded as is any items they plan to bring through the post. Would-be merchants must await permission from officials in the city to proceed on to the docks and into the city. Such permission could take hours to days depending on the nature of the goods to be transported. Those wishing to enter the city for other things may receive permission to enter once they check in with the guards. Once allowed to do so, one may pass through the other set of doors and descend another stone path down to the docks. A ferry is almost always present to transport people to and from the city. Once gaining passage aboard a ferry, those entering the city will arrive at the city's main docks. The docks are filled with a variety of small to moderate-sized trading vessels and the boardwalk is lined with warehouses, taverns and shops of all kinds. From here, visitors may set out into the city by foot or by Ravosala; long, slender boats steered and propelled by long poles. Common Goods and Services of the Southern Trading Post Although the Trading Post serves primarily as a source of security and inspection, it is possible for one to find goods and services available from merchants waiting to enter the city. Weapons and armor are difficult to attain here although various foodstuffs may be found as the wait to get into the city can sometimes be long. Thus some merchants are willing to sell their perishables rather than let them rot while having to wait. As well, one crafty merchant has even set up a small tavern that caters to those needing a stiff drink while they wait. Malfasar's Beer Hut The 'Bazaar'

[Akuaysun]

34th Day of Summer 509 AV

Having mounted his horse, and figuring the dynamics of riding it in comparison to a tiger Akuaysun made his way toward the city of Ravok. He had followed the merchant path here and waited just beyond the circle of people until the sun rose over the horizon. With Syna’s daily birth, he had changed, reverting back to his last mortal form, that of a proud Myrian warrior. Resting upon his horse, the man knew full well he stood out; long strands of wavy black hair draped about his shoulders and cradled his bronze face. His taught muscular body showed through the light fabric of his shirt and along the area in front where the buttons had never been fastened.

He did not dally in the small outer city, instead guiding his beast directly for the water, expecting to find a way into the main area there. And first he came by the tower, standing sentinel over the path, begging for someone to try and sneak past. It was an obvious choice to pass through the thing, the path moved that way, and of coarse, men did not build such structures unless they planned to use them. So being a simple man of simple will he guided the steed toward the massive tower.

Riding in, he was quickly given the barrage of questions. “My name is Akuaysun, and my only intention is to see the city and perhaps buy a few supplies for my westward journey. I have no weapons unless you fear a simple knife used for not much more then cutting meat. Where can one stable their horse on a city built over water, and where do I go from here?”

[Gillar]

The inspecting guard narrowed his eyes for a moment and looked Akuaysun over. Another one of the nearby guards joined in as Akuaysun declared himself, weapons and purpose for seeking entry into the city. It was true that many people came to Ravok for a number of reasons though the idea of resupplying before journeying further away was usually taken care of at the Bazaar. Though it was also well known that not everything one may desire for purchase could be found in the ragtag collections of tents and haphazard shops and resupplying in Ravok could me just about anything really. The guard was careful to take notes about Akuaysun; recording any useful information to be added to the records of those entering the city. Finally, after about 10 minutes of visual inspection and questioning, the guard nodded and the doors opposite of the entrance Akuaysun came through were opened and he was allowed passage out of the Trading Post and down the stone path leading to the docks. Once there, a ferry waited as several passengers and their mounts and/or gear were loaded. Akuaysun was allowed to board and the ship set off for Ravok. Lake Ravok was massive and could almost be considered a small inland sea. After about an hour of travel, the small ferry finally came within sight of the city docks. During the trip, the other passengers, mainly human commoners from the looks of it, maintained their distance from the odd-looking Myrian and spoke amongst themselves if at all. As the ferry came closer to the docks, Akuaysun could see a number of other smaller ships moving about as well as couple larger ones. A huge canal spanned by a massive bridge allowed a number of the smaller boats to pass further into the city. The ferry eventually came to a stop at one of smaller docks on the outer edge of the city a short distance from the canal. Passengers began to offload their gear and head off their own way into the city. Akuaysun was left to himself on the docks where people of all walks of life milled about doing whatever business suited them. There were a few horses, dogs barking, and people; presumably slaves, being led around on leashes. The darkness and wonder of Ravok welcomed him.

[Chaelnomyl]

TS: Day 32 of Summer, 509 AV.

A small journey north from the wilderness where she had first met the Symenestra had led Chaelnomyl directly to the southern shores of the city of Ravok. Or well, its entrance from the mainland. Brilliantly sky-blue wings beat in midair as she approached the establishments, tail sitting idly behind her with little movement, flexed just upward to avoid dragging it across any protrusions from the ground with something that might have been associated with grace by the other, less learned races. She ignored the small village - it was of no interest to her. Instead, the Akvatari headed straight for the water's edge in an attempt to find a way across. She could, of course, have swam the distance with ease... but Chaelnomyl was sure the lesser races would be thrown into a right panic at the idea of her not going through their proper checkpoints and procedures. So, to amuse both herself and the local guard populace, she headed up to the tower - the obvious entrance, given the path.

The winged creature took in those that were waiting but did not have much time to analyze the situation before being approached by a guard and being assaulted by a myriad of questions. Hovering at a height that would have been acceptable for eye contact with the guard, Chaelnomyl held her finned tail in close to herself in the event that others were walking by so as not to strike them with it accidently. The light brown, spotted and sleek fur had since dried considerably, as it had been awhile since the Akvatari had been for a swim.

Her expression did not change from that of a whimsical, cool demeanor as she addressed the guard in turn. The Akvatari's reasoning was simple - how could one create art that would be respected and admired if she did not have journeys with scenes to paint and tales to tell?

"I am called Chaelnomyl," The Akvatari replied in turn, "I am planning on touring your city - I have heard it is a functional work of art... and would like to see it with my own eyes." She trailed off to silence again as the question of weaponry might have been asked, and the distant gaze in her eyes was only broken once the question had adequately finished.

"I carry no weapons unless you call a knife for eating a weapon, Sir..." Chaelnomyl managed, "Violence is so very unnecessary..." Her eyes had seemingly begun to wander again as she waited for any other questions and then commented through a heavy sigh, "Is there anything else you require?"

[Gillar]

The inspecting guard, began questioning the newcomer out of habit; his eyes down on his paper ready to begin scribbling down notes. All of this before actually getting a good look at her. When he looked up, he found himself at a complete loss for words. Never in his life had he seen such a unique looking creature and he couldn't help but scratch his head with his quill as a very confused look came across his face. The other guards in the post had their hands resting on their sheathed weapons; prepared in case any more strangeness were to occur. Although Ravok had seen its share of different people from all across the land, most of them were slaves as the majority of the citizens were human of regional decent or another. The creature that stood before the guards was definitely not human but not exactly a beast either. Of course Ravok welcomed most people of all races; save for potential servants of now dead god, Sylir whom the Ebonstryfe have made sure are discovered and disposed of before ever reaching the city docks. However, for the inspecting guard, when he finally found words he could speak, he couldn't help but pass along a warning with his response. I, um...well, Miss Chaelnomyl, indeed our great city is a work of art and no, a knife, like most personal forms of protection, are most surely allowed. I will allow you passage however, I feel...um, it only fair to warn you that violence is a part of our daily lives, especially in certain parts of the city. Um, considering your, um, unique nature, you may want to watch your yourself once you are there as your kind isn't exactly common around here. There are people in the city that, well, may take extreme advantage of that fact. If you spend any time on the docks, avoid the area known as, "The Dark Delight". Otherwise, do please proceed down to the ferry. It will take you to the city." The guard couldn't help but be nervous around Chaelnomyl but also somewhat intrigued by her appearance. He was not a man of the world and even though having seen a plethora of different beings come through his post, never had he seen an Akvatari. The guards at the doors opposite the entryway opened them and stood aside, allowing Chaelnomyl to pass through to the stone path leading down to the small set of docks where docked was a ferry just returning from the city. There were no other passengers waiting to board at the moment as most had been waiting in line behind a merchant that came right after Chaelnomyl. Considering the hoops that merchants had to go through, it would be awhile before anyone else came to use the ferry. This left her able to board by herself with only the ferryman present if she so desired. The ferryman was the silent type, devoted to doing his job. An older man; having seen a lot in his time, was surprised to see Chaelnomyl but not overly nervous like the guards. She noticed something just past the ferry, further out into the water where it would be deeper. A rather large fin broke the surface of the water and was visible for a moment or two before sinking back beneath. What it belonged to was unknown; a shark perhaps or something else? From there, the docks of Ravok awaited with the grand bridge spanning a very wide canal that extended further into the city. Small boats and larger ships could be seen moving about the waters surrounding the city as well as into the canal where they disappeared beneath a series of bridges and other smaller, branching canals. There were people milling about throughout the boardwalk and adjacent docks with shops and warehouses and various other buildings filling nearly every nook and cranny. While a bit dirtier up close, from further out in the water, Chaelnomyl could see great spire-topped domes looming deeper into the city with great arches and statues adorning various buildings.

[Saebier]

TS: 78th of Spring, Mid-morning.

Sabier had been treking west for three days now, he knew that lake Ravok was in this general direction but was starting to get worried from his lack of success. Pulling his cloak hood deep over his eyes and face to protect them from the slight sprinkling of rain that graced this section of the woods. Looking up the nearby hill Sabier sighed, releasing the air he had been holding while sizing up his next climb. He wasn't out of shape by any means but the climbing of many long hills put the burn in his legs.

Finishing his climb Saebier spotted a log under a rather large tree, deciding that this was as good as any place to stop for lunch he was pleasently suprised to find it was only damp. Taking out of his pack a large piece of hard-tack bread and a small piece of dried meat, remenants of his last catch. Crunching and grinding his way through his meal Saebier was anxtious to be off. Packing his stuff up quickly and setting off westward with a stride witha purpose.

A few hours later the tower he had heard about came into sight. A large stone bastion rising above the tree tops, with three black-clad figures manning it. Using it as a way point saebier made his way towards the tower, overriding his instinct to avoid sticks and the dead leaves so they could hear him coming.

Even though he had made extra noise for a reason, Saebier somehow managed to catch him off guard. When he finally noticed Saebier his had went directly for his sword in a quick rush of adrenline. Flashing him a lopsided grin which was the best he could manage at this point, Saebier attempted to look freindly. Stoping a couple meters away he was almost instantaneously barraged with a tirade of questions.

"I am Saebier, the only weapons I carry are my bow and arrows and a skinning knife." Pauseing to take a breath and lauching into his next, prepared seciton. "I want to explore the city I have heard so much about." Of course this was a lie, but what else could he tell them?

[Jette]

12th of Summer 510AV - Early Morning A surreptitious fog fell over the docks of Ravok, choking out thin air with its density as it crawled into every crevice of stone that lined the floating city. Sound waves were swallowed up in this atmosphere, making it all the more dangerous of a place to be strolling around in. With Pythe close by her side in a small boat, they traded gems for a ride across the lake’s water, entering the city through The Southern Trade Post that ensured all goods be checked before entry. “No goods to claim, only personal weapons and survival supplies for travels.”Jette had removed the sword from its leather strapping around her hips and placed it before her in the small boat. A second small blade was thumbed out of one of the bones in her corset, a hiding place that was easily missed at first glance. She would have let it stay hidden, but did not want to risk breaking trust with the guards. With a very speculative eye, the guard looked the two girls over as he rummaged through their bags. After finding nothing the guard waved them on, watching as they receded into the heavy fog that kissed the surface of the still water. Having only been to Ravok once before, the city layout was insidiously hard to memorize; almost like the very city itself moved its walls to maze an individual onto the blade of a killer. Like an obedient beast that brought assassins their scared and lost victims, it derived pleasure from feeding off of the blood shed that every blade splattered on its stone cold streets.

[Cassandra Coven]

38th of Summer, 510 AV Cassandra staggered forward, her hope buoyed by the sight of the stone tower that could be seen through the break in the trees of the forest. She had been walking for several hours now, ever since she had left the dead bandits and an even deader mercenary who had tried his best to protect her from those very bandits. With no tools to help her bury the dead – for she had wanted to at least do that for the uncharacteristically kind sellsword - she had left them to rot and be devoured by the beasts that prowled the land. Alone and hungry, she had trudged on to the nearest settlement, the city of Ravok, hoping against hope that she would not run into anything nasty or dangerous along the way. The long walk proved uneventful, for she encountered nothing more dangerous than a squirrel. Now that she has seen the tower and the outlying merchant tents, the young woman hurried her steps, fighting against the weakness brought about by her ordeal. Carefully, she adjusted her shawl to cover the gap left by missing buttons on her bloodstained blouse and fixed her skirt so that the ragged tear only showed one of her legs. It was all she could do to make herself look passably presentable. Her experiences on the road had left her clothes in tatters and her face, arms and legs scratched, bruised and dust-speckled. A brief stop at a stream had helped eliminate the last part somewhat, but that was it. She didn’t want the people of the city to see her as some sort of harlot or beggar, though if she could see herself in a mirror, even she might find it hard to argue against such labels. She broke through the final line of trees eventually, and the sight of civilization, so near her now, almost brought tears to her eyes. She would be safe! The patrol of guards nearby attested to that. Any pursuits from the marauding bandits the night previous would be deterred by their presences. She would be safe indeed! She might have lost everything on the road, as she traveled to escape her recent past, but at least she was alive and that was the important part. Perhaps she could create new life for herself here. She had nothing to her name save for the clothes on her back. The first thing she needed then was to get a job in order to sustain herself. Then she would think things through once she had settled for a bit. With renewed purpose, yet still self-conscious, Cassandra approached the stone tower, trying her best to avoid the stares from the people that beheld her ragged appearance as she walked through the merchant tents of the surrounding bazaar, and entered. She watched one of the merchants ahead of her to check the process of getting into the city proper before she approached one of the guards and presented herself. “I – Cassandra Coven, sir,” she began tentatively. “I...I have nothing to declare; no goods or any other items. I would like to come into your city to find employment but...” She did not mention about the caravan she had been part of, nor the ambush that decimated their camp the previous night. Who cared for such things? Ravok did not exactly have a cordial relationship with Syliras, she doubted they'd care much about what happens to one of its caravans. So instead the young woman peered around the guard and, seeing the docks, realized she did not have anything to pay for the boatmen that seemed to function as the main means to get around Ravok. But perhaps the guard could help her. Deciding to use the charm that had served her so well serving tables in the tavern back in Syliras, Cassandra tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear with a gloved hand, before she continued. Her face took on a hint of helplessness and just the right amount of yearning for aid and, at the same time, seeming as if not wanting to bother anyone to get such help from them. Large, expressive eyes flickered from the guard and to the boats outside in the distance and then back again. “I did not know you had canals here rather than roads. I have no money to pay the boatman. I do have a dagger, for personal protection, but I'm willing to part with it if one can ferry me around the city until I've found myself some work. Can you help me, sir?”

[Gillar]

The guard who approached Cassandra relayed the information she gave; her name, declared weapons, etc., to another guard who held a small, thin board with a few sheets of parchment attached to it via a few thin strands of string. That guard recorded the information on the parchment with the dulled visage of someone who had been awake for far too long; his eyelids were heavy and his face drained of energy. The guard she spoke too listened intently ash she spoke of looking for employment and of her lack of mizas. For him, it provided an amazing opportunity to get a little enjoyment out of the day. It had been at least two days since he offered hassle-free entry to another woman for a few moments in one of the supply rooms. Just as his face began to take on a suggestive look, one that spoke of the degradation and humiliation he would impose upon Cassandra in exchange for easy passage into the city, his gaze went just past her to a small caravan of wagons and horses approaching the gates. Mumbling an almost silent curse to himself, he looked around the post noting that there no other guards present to take care of the caravan. Turning his attention back to Cassandra, the guard said with no small amount of annoyance in his voice, "You don't need any coins for the ferry to get to the city though they help if you want anything extra. There are plenty of jobs for pretty girls like yourself in need of a few mizas. Move along." The guard, still obviously frustrated at his lost opportunity, stalked his way past her to the caravan. Cassandra was left then to herself where she had easy access through the post and down to the docks where the ferry waited.

[Stag Fern]

30th of Fall 510,AV


Tired and weary Stag finally reached the gates of the city. He was just about a mile away from the city itself he thought about his little trek how he ended up in the wilderness and then walked from there to here only surviving from the land. It seemed like a lifetime ago now even though it's only been a few days. From his view he saw the lone tower all by itself. It was tall and looking at it, strong He knew what it meant. Thoughts raced through his head like a warm bed, fresh food, maybe even a massage but all that had to wait first things first through the gates. His father told him countless times "whenever you go through a gate you must always state your name and purpose to the guards and then they'll let you in". Stag went through all the things he would say to the guard, each one would end himself killed or kicked out then he thought why not wing it. He attended to his things to check if they were still there. Yes they were still with him. His axe and knife His backpack containing the wolf skin and his money. Stag walked forward for a bit and found a small house possibly abandoned he looked at himself and found his reflection. His clothes were cut his body covered in dirt but what can he do. Gods help me was his last thought before he was sprinting.

He approached the guards then he stopped to catch his breath looking up he smiled at the guards and then spoke. "I am Stag Fern" he said panting. Not wanting to wait for an answer he said it again "I am Stag Fern" more forceful this time. He was puzzled now why won't they let him through "I only bring an axe and a knife" but still no reply from the guards they were probably a lost for words then Stag remembered to state his purpose. A lost for words too he quickly scanned the area "I've come to admire your city and possibly see what riches I can get for myself". It wasn't all a lie he did want to make money and he did like the city. The guard then looked at him and spoke. Some questions and clarifications on his motives and he led him to a ferry that led straight to the heart of Ravok