After a moment of reflection and observation, our legends began to descend the steps leading to the gigantic city nestled between the mountains. As they descended the seemingly endless steps, they heard a:
HALT
Coming out of nowhere, from small caves on the sides of the steps they hadn’t even noticed, emerged what seemed like an entire army.
After several hours of discussion and thorough searches, the soldiers allowed our legends to pass, giving them the rule to register in the city’s records, located at the military base. This building, at first glance, resembled a courthouse or a senate.
@servelle, @anonyvoter, and @hivecurious, curious to learn more about their surroundings, asked if the lake they saw at the bottom of the valley was open for swimming. The soldiers, while conducting thorough searches, explained that this enchanting lake was indeed accessible for swimming, but with certain restrictions. It served not only as a place of relaxation for the city’s inhabitants but also as a source of drinking water. Therefore, there were specific times when swimming was allowed and designated areas to avoid contaminating the drinking water.
The soldiers also mentioned that the lake’s waters were renowned for their healing properties, attracting many visitors who came to benefit from its qualities. However, they warned our adventurers not to venture too far, as some areas were inhabited by aquatic creatures that could be hostile.
Impressed by these revelations, Servelle, Anonyvoter, and Hivecurious took note of these precautions, already planning to visit the lake after completing their duties at the military base. They felt encouraged by this prospect, making their journey to the city seem less austere and more promising.
Thus, our legends continued their descent, enriched with new knowledge and motivated by the promise of future discoveries.
@chapelle and @stekene asked if there were any good taverns where one could laugh and smoke a bit.
They were told that the city had established a “vice district,” the only place where it was permitted to consume drugs, alcohol, and enjoy various other services. However, they were warned to be cautious in this district, as it was the only area where the guard did not intervene.
But otherwise, there was a ball every evening where some light alcohol was tolerated, near the castle.
@itharagaian was happy that among the soldiers there was a competent doctor to address his health issue.
@khantaimur
Our scribe asked if there was a place to tell stories. The soldiers advised him to go to the castle, which had an open space for the public during the day, to meet people. Maybe someone would be interested.
@manuvert, intrigued, asked about the two circular buildings in the distance. He inquired if they were concert or performance halls.
The soldier replied that Manuvert wasn't far off with his guess. The first building is a hall that can be rented for parties, weddings, meetings, or any other events.
The second building is a public arena. According to their laws, for certain crimes, the victim can request a death match between the criminal and a champion who fights on the victim's behalf. Sometimes, death row inmates are pitted against each other, with the winner becoming a soldier in the king's service—if the victims demand such a combat. However, most of the time, the arena is used for circuses and games without any lives at stake. "Phew," thought @manuvert.
Our legend asked if they could meet the local lord. They were told that there was no king here, but a commander, and that this was a city founded by those who had survived an attempt to conquer the mountain but refused to return.
When the legend asked what they had survived, there was a silence, and no answer was ever given...
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Winner SECRET for rebloog
@chapelle @servelle @stekene @khantaimur
Winner SECRET for comment or tips
@chapelle @servelle @stekene @khantaimur @hivecurious @manuvert @anonyvoter @itharagaian