You’re walking along the well traveled path on your way to the city of Sunshire. The ground beneath you is rocky with a grass strip in the center between two dirt strips, signs that carts travel this path very often into and out of Sunshire. The trees on both sides of the path have become sparse and you’ve found yourself in a grassland with the city of Sunshire in the distance. You can see a few buildings against the Sariak River, as well as shipping vessels on both sides of the city coming in and out of.
Sunshire is a city located in between Fierrak and Werz and is a port used to distribute goods to the small villages, towns, and outposts between it and Shorrek to the far north. A strong fog covers part of the city and some of the outskirts, though with the river flowing through it, that isn’t an uncommon occurrence. As you continue your march toward the city, you can hear the sounds of the vessels coming into the city as well as the echoes of commerce going around.
You make it to the front entrance of Sunshire to see that the city is bustling with citizens are travelers alike walking the stone streets. The buildings are put closely together, though small alleys connect the main streets of the city. You can see several shops, guilds, and other establishments as you move through the city. You walk through the city, looking to your right as you enter a small clearing to see a wooden stage going up. Beside the stage, you see a well-dressed man standing next to two ladies. “Make sure the banners are hung high from the rafters!” he shouts while stepping away from the ladies and looking over at some of the workers. “We need all of the boats that come into the port to see that we’re going to be having a celebration.”
“So that they can get liquored up and trash the city?” asks one of the ladies sarcastically.
“So that they can spend their hard-earned coin in our shops and stalls,” he explains. “Do remember, a lot of gold flows through your city, but we need more of it to deposit here.”
The two ladies smirk as you walk by. The man in the center turns to look at you. “Ah, travelers!” he shouts while walking toward you with his hand stretched out in friendship. He grasps your hand firmly while looking directly into your eyes. “I am the mayor of this great city, Relias.” He releases your hand and turns back to the stage, enamored at what he was having created. “I do hope you will be in town tonight, travelers. We’re going to have quite a spectacle and celebration to commemorate the founding of our beloved city.”
He pauses for a brief moment to turn back around with a wry smile. “Sunshire is the one of the oldest cities in Dun-I and its roots can be traced back for millennia. The date of its conception can actually be marked on a calendar, and because of this, it should be celebrated. Men and women from all around will come to Sunshire tonight to take part in the festivities and I do hope you’d be willing to attend.”
You smile and nod before walking away from the mayor, leaving him to tend to the preparations. Those around the area are all pushing carts filled with supplies for the mayor to inspect. Many temporary booths and stalls are being setup to supply for the night, all under the watchful eye of the mayor. The preparations are immaculate and the city is sparing little expense, though this is the least of your concerns.
You walk out of the area and toward the other end of the city, toward the stockade that Papis spoke of. The area changes before your eyes, going from a bustling port city to a much calmer area. Houses of all shapes and sizes are littered about the road and there are far fewer people on the streets. You nod to those who are wandering along as they look at you without a second glance. It’s not a rare thing for travelers to wander through the streets of Sunshire. The ports stay busy. As you continue your trek through the streets of Sunshire, you can see your destination in the distance. A small, old, wooden bridge leads you to your destination but standing next to the bridge, you see two men in robes eyeing the building.
They both look to be around the same height and rather slender in build with luxurious long hair. The one on the left is wearing a beautiful red robe with gold trim and long, platinum strands of hair flow from his scalp. The one on the right looks nearly identical, though his hair is dark and his robes are dark blue with silver trim. As you approach, they become aware of their new audience and quick turn to confront you. “Can we help you?” barks the one in red in a deep, scornful tone. Though they obviously contrast one another, you notice that they share the same face: very clean and angular features marred only by a scar branching across one side of both of their faces.
“Maybe they can.” states the black-haired man with a warm smile. “Excuse my brother.” he says with a slight bow. “He can be a bit brash at times.” He straightens up and extends his hand toward you. “I am Merevo, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” he speaks softly while throwing a quick glance to his brother.
“Yeah, pleasure,” the blonde brother scoffs as he glares at you with scorn in his eyes.
“My brother, Jerikko and I are planning a little expedition and we could use some extra muscle if you are interested,” Merevo says softly while motioning to his brother. “I guarantee that the rewards will be well worth the journey.”
You stare at Merevo with an intrigued glance as his brother keeps hie eyes on the wooden stockades. “We are looking for some assistance in the fabled stockades. Perhaps you would be willing to join us?”
“The townsfolk talk about how no one who enters is able to leave, no matter how strong or brave, come out alive,” mentions Jerikko. “A few in the local pub talk about how some of them were carrying gemstones that gave them some wicked abilities.”
Merevo steps forward. “We believe that there are a few Shards within those walls and my brother and I would like to find them.”
You look at the two brothers and smirk. Papis instructed you to investigate the stockades, and these two men in fancy robes appear to be heading in. Your fortunes may be getting better as you nod to the brothers, agreeing to help them in their quest for Shards in the Sunshire Stockades.
The Journey Continues in the Scenario, The Sunshire Stockades.