WELCOME TO THE FREE CITIES!

[abraxasmods]

WELCOME TO THE FREE CITIES!

Welcome to The Free Cities! The portal exits outside the capital city of Cadens. The first impression of the city is its sheer size. It sprawls out across the landscape like a great hulking beast at rest. The wall that encircles it barely contains it, the buildings of Cadens practically bulging against its restraint.

The air here seems thicker somehow, tinged with a scent that’s acrid and smoky. Smog hangs high over the city, belched out by smokestacks that tower over the industrial district. The desert stretches out behind it, dotted with towers and dust clouds that disappear into the horizon. Multiple gates lead inside and each is staffed by soldiers in unfamiliar uniforms that wave a steady stream of people through without appearing to pay much attention. People are coming and going almost all of the time, to and from the outposts and areas of activity around the city proper. It’s difficult to tell just what’s out there beyond the impression of tall metal structures and a great deal of labor. Wagons carrying travelers to Libertas and Aquila roll out from the Travel Post outside the city wall.

Anyone who can sense magic will notice a much lower concentration here. No one will be stopped or questioned at the gate, even if the soldiers seem to take note of the fugitives from Thorne.

The activity and sheer number of citizens can be overwhelming. It’s crowded and loud and feels constantly in motion with everyone talking and yelling over each other. It’s easy to get swept up in the ever-moving throng or find oneself ducking into the mouth of a narrow alley just to breathe.

Anyone who’s willing to make their way to the northern part of the city and Portham Hall will find Prime Minister Marlo Reiner available to receive them.

Comments

[aquaveiled]

[ He really doesn't. That is absolutely something that Estinien should be shamed for at a later date. Jaskier would certainly earn an edible reward for it.

As happy as she is to be out of the dungeons, lounging in plush seats in a vineyard is definitely a few steps above sleeping in a barn only a few fulms away from a cow with very active...bowels. Really the only thing this vineyard is missing are some plucky dragons to liven up the place. Every realm can use more dragons.

It's a fair question--bemusement, rather, than she chews thoughtfully as she considers it. ]

Mmmmm...

[ Himeka lets out a low hum as she cants her head to the side, gaze shifting from staring off into space to Jaskier. ]

Solvunn seems content enough with how things are? I guess as much as they can be given the circumstances. They really do believe we are all protected by the Gods. Such fervent devotion could mean they won't act unless they feel the need to at the bidding of their Gods...which, you know, only those who can speak with the Gods will know when and where that is. But they are eager for our participation should we offer it.

[cointosser]

[Oh. That's an interesting bit of insight. While he read of Solvunn, the literary volumes in Thorne's library weren't the most complimentary.] I should have expected a farming community to be full of theologians. [There might be a touch of sarcasm to the comment. A touch.

It's only curious because of how deliberate it felt that the details of the gods were scrubbed out of the library's tomes. Does it mean anything? Probably not. Plenty of people get into tiffs over whose god is sexier or something. Jaskier doesn't really prescribe, though Melitele definitely has some of the nicer tits. On the younger side of her, at least.]

Interesting. And will you participate, oh Warrior? I'm asking only out of mere curiousity.

[It's funny to him, that it's becoming less and less likely for him to encounter the truly neutral. If any of them are anymore, really.]

[aquaveiled]

[ Being beholden to a higher power, whether perceived or actual, is pretty par for the course in her experience. To end up in a community that believes so wholly in their own made it actually relatively easy to slip into some of the good graces of the locals by showing interest. But she feels like she's only just scratched the surface. ]

Farmers are very devout, whether it be about their stock or those that make it possible.

[ Her own upbringing was no different, thanking the kami and the spirits around them for a healthy harvest of oysters.

Jaskier's question draws a pause, but only a momentary one. She nods firmly immediately after. ]

Yes. It will be the easiest way to find out exactly what they believe, don't you think?

[cointosser]

[Oh, to that truth, there is no doubt. Who else is there to turn to when nature itself decides whether your family survives a further winter? He huffs a breath, shoves a grape in his mouth, and considers.

Again, her point is fair.]

Absolutely. And between you and Estinien, I dare say I could not imagine you both not ending up in the middle of things. It feels a bit par for the course, going by the stories of you.

[It's only a small worry, to find anyone assigning themselves to sides. Estinien was surely the most eager for it. Still... it won't mean anything to their relationships to each other, will it?] Well, you know I'm only a call away, should you find wealths of information from these farmers. I'd be eager to know more of the people there.

[aquaveiled]

[ She offers a lopsided smile to that observation. She won't argue against that either, whether it be by choice or circumstance something inevitably happens. One just has to learn to go with the flow. ]

I really need to know what it is that Estinien has been sharing about our adventures. I can assure you he's left out all the best details.

[ To his offer, she nods. ]

And the same goes for you, of course! I'm sure you'll have more than your fair share of stories from the Free Cities. Or at least of your own successes, I should hope.

[ That is all well and good, but to be honest, she is perfectly content to simply enjoy the artificial sun and the sweetness of fresh grapes from the vine alongside a friend.

Or, fiancé. (Ha.) ]