Dark Sun: The Path that Free Men Tread

[gantherogue]

Spoiler: Rikus

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As you declare your intentions and history, baring your painful past for all to see; you a subtle change in the Mul guards demeanor. Hairless brows raise ever so slightly above their green eyes. And then you really see it, it was quick, almost imperceptible, but it was there... smiles, no, smirks. It seems you've made an impression amongst your brethren

The seemingly higher ranked guard however, seems less than impressed. His shoulders shift lazily, his eyes glazing over as he inspects you.

"How bold..." he drolls, a sneer creeping across his face.

"What did you do Mule? Sneak out while they were reading their scriptures?" He snorts at his own witticism. Before he turns his attention to the rest of your party, he gives one final comment

"You best keep all that to yourself Mule" he intones in a low voice as he passes by to get a better view of the rest of the newcomers "others in Altaruk are not as scrupulous as I."

Spoiler: Ka'tho and Asteron

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As he steps around to observe the rest of the party, the guards steps falter, the two monstrous figures coming into his focus. His eyes flicker between the Kreen and the Beastman, his tongue darting out every so often, licking his lips nervously. Upon hearing their intentions, he nods quickly and turns with barely veiled relief to the remaining humans of the group.

Spoiler: Alexen and Jamilah

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The guard superiors gaze finally rests upon the final two members of the rag tag group. His demeanor visibly calms, as if he didn't look at the more... exotic individuals... they didn't exist. He listens once more, not a single sign of disrepect or attitude, it seems he's been cowed.

And...And we welcome all those who bring peaceful business to Alturak." his statement coming out like a script read by a flustered actor. He straightens up, holding out his hand

"The fee for entering Altaruk is one gold bit per traveler..." He leans in, lowering his voice to a whisper directed at the human pair.

However, I ask that an additional gold bit be given to cover any... Damages incurred by your... large companion. And to fund containment if you cannot control him.

With varying degrees of annoyance, disgust and outright anger you pay the guard for entrance to Altaruk. The other guards shout, and start to wave their hands to unseen figures behind the massive walls. A large metallic clunk is heard, followed by a steady series of clinks as the gate mechanisms swung the stone gates outward. As the gates open wide, the sounds and smells of Altaruk drift out assailing your senses. Vehement bartering and chattering can be heard,while various perfumes and the smell of food frying accompanies them. You waste no time hurrying through, eager to experience comfort after a long and excruciating journey.

Your excitement is somewhat curbed as you pass the threshold, the sounds of the market and the scent of sustenance is muffled and dulled by the stables and the Wavieran Warehouse. You gag, the stench of Crodlu waste and foul smoking plants of the warehouse workers threatening to shut down your olfactory functions for good.Wiping the stinging tears out of your eyes, you take stock of your surroundings. You see the aforementioned warehouse workers (not slaves surprisingly), sitting amongst empty boxes, puffing away at poorly whittled bone pipes. A various number of slaves work, some cutting grain, others feeding the grain to the tired and onrey looking Crodlu, others mucking out their stalls. You take note of one of the slaves, calming a fussy Crodlu. A purple corona of light faintly glows around his head as he grabs the Crodlu's reigns. The light glows brighter as he begins to stroke it on it's cheek, the beast calming almost instantaneously; it begins blankly chewing on the feed offered to it.



You continue walking through, hoping to make it to better smelling and restful parts of the city. As you pass one more thing catches your attention. A short portly dwarf is seen arguing with a guard, his face is read and beading with sweat, seemingly caused by his incessant bouncing and stomping. His finely jeweled and colored robes were stained under the pits of his arms, bangles on his ankles and wrists jingle with every hop.

"IS THE REWARD NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU LAZY ROUSTABOUTS? the dwarf screams, spit flecking and dribbling onto his bountiful chins.

"I REFUSE TO GO ANY HIGHER, DON'T YOU REALIZE WHO YOU ARE TALK-"

The guard cuts him off, obviously she has been dealing with him for quite some time and has resigned to her current lot in life.

"I'm sorry, sir while your reward is more than generous, we can't spare the manpower right now; with the search for the Veiled Alli-" her calm but exasperated explanation is cut off in turn by the dwarf.

WELL IF YOU'RE NOT WILLING TO TAKE 100 GOLD BITS. I'M SURE SOMEONE WILL! he gives one last fume, and tantrum fueled stomp, performing a heel turn unfitting for one of his girth.

"GOOD DAY TO YOU MADAM". he spits and storms back towards the warehouse.