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Message: <blockquote data-quote="talien" data-source="post: 4746255" data-attributes="member: 3285">Serpentine Path: Part 5a – Arrival in SemarFrom a nearby mountaintop, the massive form of the Black Citadel of Semar loomed.  An imposing structure, it was carved from a single black piece of rock that rivaled the nearest mountain in size.  “They say that Semar was originally a military outpost built on an ancient ruin,” said Kham.  “I’ve heard that the mountain fortress houses ancient treasures of supreme power that even the scholars of Althares are unable to unlock,” said Beldin.Ilmarė snorted. “I’ve heard that the Citadel has magic powers too.  That doesn’t mean it’s true.”The Citadel’s uniform black composition definitely made it look evil.  Carvings of demonic figures and valinor locked in a titanic battle decorated the outer walls and only heightened the foreboding that oozed from the fortress.  Cannons protruded from the walls at regular intervals, their barrels house d protectively in stone carvings of infernal creatures.  “Looks like the city’s undergone some growth spurts since it was first established as a military outpost,” said Beldin. “The stone walls extended outward from the stronghold in a regular pattern.”“Commerce has certainly made it grow,” observed Sebastian. “Judging from the swarm of activity in the city, business must be good.”There was a distinct difference between Semar and Althre.  In Althre, the entire city was a work of art.  In contrast, Semar seemed plain and dull.  A half-finished moat lay just outside the third wall.  “Those archways look familiar,” said Beldin. As they passed through the giant wooden gates, several artisans were visible working on stone archways that looked remarkably similar to the ones in Klos Ka’Ra.  “They’ve got a long way to go if they wish to rival Althre’,” said Kham. “You should stay at the Shining Shield Inn.”“Where are you going?” asked Ilmarė. “I’ve got to meet a man about a horse.”</blockquote>

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