Karina proper is embraced by a 15-foot tall curtain wall made from hewn gray limestone, punctuated at hundred yard intervals by narrow bastions, that project out from the wall to offer flanking fire in the event of a siege. The walls are further protected by a 20' wide moat, fed by two meandering streams and by the river itself. Near the foundations of the walls and towers, the crumbling mortar has been overtaken by seeping, dark green lichen.
When you approach the gate, there are two guards, collecting tolls. No one else is passing through the gate at the moment, and the guards look bored, no doubt wishing they could get off duty and join the carnival. However, they are equipped with studded leather armor, battle axes, and light crossbows.
"Good evening. The toll is one gold per armed person, one silver per unarmed person" looking at Nikko "yes, I'd afraid that includes this little guy - and five percent of the value of any imported goods. I guess you don't have any. This your first time in town?"
"Yes." Raul digs in his pockets for the money and hands it to the guard.
"Have fun at Carnival. A word of warning though - stay away from West Karina, especially after dark when the Slasher prowls there."
The other guard chimes in. "And don't go to the Maze unless you have to. The Falkovnian Quarter should be safer, but is known for Commander Regress's own brand of 'justice'. Welcome to Karina!"
Ahead, you see that crowded cobblestone streets open into a wide paved plaza, perhaps a hundred yards wide and two hundred long. The plaza has been converted into a grand bazaar and trading area of visiting merchants. Dozens of temporary stalls have been erected in the center of the square, where a variety of merchants, farmers, winemakers, and brewers sell their wares. Although many stalls feature the latest vintage wines from the surrounding countryside, they also contain fruits and vegetables from the autumn harvest: apples, squash, corn, potatoes, and huge turnips are all on display among the myriad of stalls. The north end of the plaza is dominated by a long building with dozens of high arched windows along its facade.
[sblock=carnival]
[/sblock]
In front of the hall, a wooden scaffold and gallows have been erected recently, as attested by the fresh unpainted timber and faint smell of sawdust. A long rope lies coiled at the base of stairs leading to the top of the platform, but otherwise the execution site is deserted, except for a few young children playing among the vertical supports beneath the platform.
When you approach the gate, there are two guards, collecting tolls. No one else is passing through the gate at the moment, and the guards look bored, no doubt wishing they could get off duty and join the carnival. However, they are equipped with studded leather armor, battle axes, and light crossbows.
"Good evening. The toll is one gold per armed person, one silver per unarmed person" looking at Nikko "yes, I'd afraid that includes this little guy - and five percent of the value of any imported goods. I guess you don't have any. This your first time in town?"
"Yes." Raul digs in his pockets for the money and hands it to the guard.
"Have fun at Carnival. A word of warning though - stay away from West Karina, especially after dark when the Slasher prowls there."
The other guard chimes in. "And don't go to the Maze unless you have to. The Falkovnian Quarter should be safer, but is known for Commander Regress's own brand of 'justice'. Welcome to Karina!"
Ahead, you see that crowded cobblestone streets open into a wide paved plaza, perhaps a hundred yards wide and two hundred long. The plaza has been converted into a grand bazaar and trading area of visiting merchants. Dozens of temporary stalls have been erected in the center of the square, where a variety of merchants, farmers, winemakers, and brewers sell their wares. Although many stalls feature the latest vintage wines from the surrounding countryside, they also contain fruits and vegetables from the autumn harvest: apples, squash, corn, potatoes, and huge turnips are all on display among the myriad of stalls. The north end of the plaza is dominated by a long building with dozens of high arched windows along its facade.
[sblock=carnival]
In front of the hall, a wooden scaffold and gallows have been erected recently, as attested by the fresh unpainted timber and faint smell of sawdust. A long rope lies coiled at the base of stairs leading to the top of the platform, but otherwise the execution site is deserted, except for a few young children playing among the vertical supports beneath the platform.
[/sblock]
