[Riverfall] The Land and Sea Gates

by **Gossamer** on February 19th, 2012, 11:56 pm

Visitors and newcomers to Riverfall will find that there are two ways to enter. The Kabrin Road runs north and south past the city, leading travelers to its gates. There is a ferry ford on the road where it crosses the Blue Vein. Bridges have been built in the past, but always high water or iceflows in the spring tend to knock it out. This means that instead of rebuilding bridge after bridge, a ferry system on a chain large enough to pull two freight wagons fully loaded across by hand has been installed. Just before the ford (though the Bluevein is mostly too flooded to ford and folks must cross using the ferry), a road branches off to the west and leaves up to Riverfall's imposing gates. The city itself is crouched like a predator on the edge of The Suvan Sea ready to pounce off on unsuspecting prey below and unseen by travelers approaching from the land gate side.

The majestic Cyphrus stretching onwards and out, Riverfall's towers and city wall loom against the horizon from far beyond. The outer structure of the city is strong and imposing, much like the warrior race that resides within. Much thought was put into the design of the city, and the aid of magic was drawn into the protection of the beautiful city. Too tall to scale, the wall is impenetrable and constantly patrolled by vigilant Akalak. The noble warriors keep watch on the land surrounding their home, and stand prepared to protect her from any danger.

The gate itself is guarded well, also. Akalak on rotation stand vigilant, ready to welcome the peaceful and turn away the unsuitable. The two on duty at present seemed neither overly friendly nor blatantly threatening. It was with a wary sort of preparedness that they surveyed approaching travelers, and made their demand.

"Welcome, traveler. Here is a scroll of welcome from the city. It contains a list of our laws, a map of the city, and some advertisements from local businesses that sponsor these scrolls to be made. You can feel free to come in if you agree to our laws and turn this scroll back in when you leave so we can reuse it." The Akalak would say, handing over the scroll and waiting for the visitor to agree to the rules.

However, if one is entering by sea, the site is a great deal different. The first thing ones sees is a bay that was obviously carved by hundreds of years of the Blue Vein plunging down into the Suvan Sea. The waterfall dominates the landscape and yet the bay is large enough that the bay water calms and slides tranquilly out of the bay to allow ships to come and go from a port near the bay's mouth.

As the ships slow their pace entering the greater port of Riverfall, many crews take a moment to pause in their pre-docking work and preparations to simply gaze ahead, and above, at the beautiful city they approach. The closer to the docks the vessels get, the more the crews crane their necks in order to glimpse and attempt to take in the entire three thousand foot face of the city the Akalak call their home. The Bluevein River cascades down the cliffs in one wondrous falls that, from a distance, seems ever so peacefully flowing and inviting.

Entering the perimeter of fishing boats and other smaller sea-faring crafts, the radius of mists emanating from the turbulent fusion of the Bluevein River and the Suvan Sea engulfs the air and shifts with the varying winds. On some mornings the fog covers the port and surrounding areas of the city so densely that ships must wait for them to lift before attempting to maneuver around rocky jetties. This wait sometimes lasts for days forcing the ships to send smaller dinghies in for more provisions for the crew. Regardless of the sort of experience their particular entry into the city involves, arriving in the shipyards and finally stopping their ships does not spell the end of the hard work.

With a constant flurry of workers loading and unloading ships and palettes containing any number of goods, it becomes easy for a person new to Riverfall to get caught up with the unique scenery around the port. Though Akalak are found scattered around the docks and storage locations, helping move shipments around, and securing arrivals or preparing departures, some Akalak are moving with attentive eyes and serve a different purpose. Usually ship captains or their aides find these men and give them information regarding the number of people arriving or departing, their cargo, and their last port or next port depending on the situation.

The Akalak always keep as accurate of records as possible when it comes to who and what enter their beloved city. These same men will also stop those deck hands that seem to be wandering and taking in the sights and sounds rather than diligently working. Usually these are the signs of a new person to the city or the shipping business and either way they are here to help. The tall, muscular, blue-skinned man would ask, ”Hello there, can I help you with anything? Here is a scroll of welcome from the city. It contains a list of our laws, a map of the city, and some advertisements from local businesses that sponsor these scrolls to be made. You can feel free to come in if you agree to our laws and turn this scroll back in when you leave so we can reuse it." The Akalak would say, handing over the scroll and waiting for the visitor to agree to the rules.

However, If you tie up here and are a ships captain, you must see the Portmaster to settle any docking fees. The Akalaks charge fees anywhere from 1 silver a day to 2 Miza's a day depending upon the accommodations you need. Odds are before a person is halfway to the Portmaster's office, he's already chasing down newly docked ships, registering them, and collecting their information and fees.

*Credit to Charon and Stranger

by **Fades** on March 13th, 2012, 3:19 am

20th day of Spring, 512AV

Fades was once again awoken by the sound of birds. She sat up, rising from her bed within her precious ship, Waterflower. Harlan, her Tavan, was nestled down still asleep next to her head. “Hey you lazy bird! Maybe you could wake up and tell your stupid cousins to shut up. Who sings this early in the morning anyways,” she grumbled as she stood up knocking her blanket to the wooden floor of her casinor. She had managed to pull into port late last night, just in time to tie down the Waterflower and crawl into bed for some much needed sleep. Luckly, she had woken up refreshed and was ready for a walk through the city. She had heard that the cliffs of Riverfall were beautiful. She got dressed in her usual green shirt and black shorts. She brushed and tied her hair back quickly. She was more than ready to get back out into the sunlight.

“Harlan, get up silly, I am ready to go outside.” She excitedly walked to the door of her little cabin and yanked the door open to let the sunlight stream in. It was incredible. Rich golden rays struck everything. She heard Harlan let out an exasperated sigh due to the sudden brightness. It was so beautiful she didn’t care. She walked out on her ship’s deck and was furthermore stunned by Riverfall’s beauty. She had heard the roar of the waterfall when she had come into port last night but she hadn’t realized she had moored so close to the tumbling waters. She could feel and smell the ocean spray from her place at the edge of the deck. The place where the falls met the water was so turned up with foam and mist; she could hardly see the rocks behind it. A series of ledges, she saw, is what made the water cascade over the brown rocks. And it was stunning. It far surpassed her dreams. She was so overwhelmed with the sheer beauty of it all that a crazy thought stuck her. Without hesitation, she backed up a couple of steps and took a running start… and leapt off her ship. She had just enough time to see Harlan’s look of half surprise and half panic on his face before she hit the water.

The water was somewhat cool but felt soft and inviting. She loved the feel of it all around her as she surfaced. She took a few breaths as she laid on her back letting the water keep her up. Little white oxygen bubbles from the falls floated around her tickling as she swam. She looked up to the railing of her ship to see Harlan watching her. She could practically see him rolling his eyes at her. In response to the way she knew he was feeling she said “Eh, you will get over it. I’m going to swim to the dock to find the Portmaster. I’ll come back when my clothes dry. You can come or not, your choice my dear.” After a quick swim she was across the dock and looking for the Portmaster.

by **O'delia** on April 2nd, 2012, 12:52 am

Note: Reworking character completely

by **Navrin Stormwalker** on April 2nd, 2012, 11:34 pm

2nd Spring, 512 AV

Riverfall.

He'd been before on a couple of occasions. Usually he hadn't done more than stay for a few nights and buy supplies before heading back out into the world. This time would be different. He'd probably spend most of the Spring in the city, trying to find anything that would point him in the direction of his family's murderers. He wasn't even sure why Riverfall was his first choice. He was going on a gut feeling and hopes that the Grass Sea had worn the assassins down and forced them to stop and resupply. If he were lucky he'd be able to find someone who had seen them pass through. More than likely he'd have to squeeze the information out of the local merchants.

If he were truly lucky, Ariin's widow would have traveled to the first true city she could find and settled down. That would quiet his doubts one way or another. Natiarian whinnied.

"Hungy?" Navrin asked. The horse turned its head until their eyes met. Navrin nodded. "Let's get you to the stables."

He nudged Natiarian forward with his knees and they made their way up through the city and to the stables. Navrin hopped off of Natiarian's back and led him into one of the stalls. He made sure the horse had plenty of feed and clean water before giving him a pat on the head. He closed the stall door and checked his khopesh, tightening the strap that held it to his belt. Keeping one hand on the hilt, he left the stables behind and made his way into the city.

by **Laeli** on April 3rd, 2012, 11:30 am

Spring 21, 512 AV

Laeli approached the great gates and felt a weariness in her bones like nothing she had every experienced in her relatively short, pleasant life. It wasn't so much that she was physically tired. The Drykas were almost always on the march, roaming along the irregular clock like pattern on the fringes of Cyphrus. It was instead an emotional weariness. The Djed storm of three weeks ago had left so much destruction in its wake, so much had changed and so many were just . . . gone. Her people were a very hardy race. There was hope yet that those who were unaccounted for would eventually surface unscathed. But after leaving the underground and making the short trek to Riverfall, seeing all the storm had wrought, she was not optimistic. And that, for Laeli, was saying quite a bit.

With her parents and brothers, she made her way through the gates, to find some temporary lodging for a night or two. Life had to go on. It was abundantly clear that food was going to be in short supply out on the sea of grass. Trading now with the Akalak was going to be more imperative than ever before, though they too would be conserving to get through the year. All in all, though Laeli had always enjoyed visiting the beautiful city of the huge, blue warriors, she could truthfully say this year, her heart was quite heavy and it would be a very different experience.

by **Syrah Steele** on April 10th, 2012, 1:36 pm

Spring Day 41, 512
Syrah shakily stepped of the boat she had been living on for the past few weeks. When her feet rested on the sturdy wood of the dock she sighed in relief. She didn't hate the water, but she hated the boat. All its rocking and swaying, she was surprised she didn't throw up more than she had. Plus she just despised those other travelers on the ship. They were so...annoying! They would just talk and talk about stupid little things like seeing the handsome Akalak men and seeing the sights. Was no one here for business? Or to learn? Syrah was just happy to be here, happy to be on safe land and happy to see some Riverfall grapes.

She steadied herself on land and stared up at the great city. She did see what the others had said about the city being beautiful, it was huge and marvelous. She couldn't wait to get a glance at the vineyards. She just hoped they'd be willing to accept her as an apprentice. When she tore her gaze from the great walls she spied a tall Akalak man walking towards her. Oh Gods, she thought, I already have an admirer. Syrah was well aware of her beauty and of the Akalaks need for women, but she was not here for fun.

As the man approached her he smiled and said "Hello there, can I help you with anything? Here is a scroll of welcome from the city. It contains a list of our laws, a map of the city, and some advertisements from local businesses that sponsor these scrolls to be made. You can feel free to come in if you agree to our laws and turn this scroll back in when you leave so we can reuse it."

Syrah almost blushed as she realized he wasn't here to court her. She took the scroll from his hand, already knowing she'd agree to the rules, but she looked them over anyway. They were reasonable and Syrah quickly agreed.

Then when the man nodded she peered back up at the great city, jumping in excitement to finally be here.

by **Daemon** on April 15th, 2012, 10:30 pm

Spring Day 46, 512

Daemon was so tired of travelling. He had been travelling a long time, and at the moment he was in human form and really tired. It was easier to travel as a tiger, but slower because he wanted to explore rather than go the actual way. Although Daemon loved the outdoors, he couldnt wait to enter Riverfall. He had heard a lot about the city and he was actually beginning to miss the taste of bread.

While dept-thinking, he didn't even realize, that the city was in sight. But with a quick gaze he realized where he was and a huge smile flashed over his childish face.

"I am here!" He pronounced eagerly, but with a rather scrathy voice. Long time since speaking actually.

Daemon let out a quiet laugh and then set his way away towards the city.

by **Dex** on April 18th, 2012, 10:20 pm

Spring 02, 512

He finally hit the beach. He was on a piece of drift wood, and had been riding the waves for the past 8 hours. Mutated birds and fish and even plants had all passed by him, a few having had to be fought off. Now all he needed was a den, and for nothing else to bug him. Little did he know how many things were going to bug him in this major city.

(Sorry it's short, still working on things for his history.)

by **Summer Meadow** on June 11th, 2012, 11:37 pm

12th day of Summer, 512AV.

Summer's eyes drank in the sight of the city as she approached slowly atop Kivas, the Striders easy gait leading them both unwaveringly towards the main gates of Riverfall.
She had spent the previous night in a small tent, pitched in the shadow of the Takula Outpost when the night had rolled round faster than she had expected with her mind turned inwards as she tried to work out if she was doing the right thing.
No, though, with Riverfall in her sights Summer's mind was made up. She needed to live, not just be alive.
The city glistened, she decided at long last. The sunlight would catch droplets of water in the air, presumably from the waterfall it was famous for, and made the place sparkle like a star, or some kind of beacon, and the young Drykas took this as a sign she was heading in the right direction. Silently asking Leth for strength, and nudged Kivas forward with pressure from her knees and gentle encouragement in whispered Pavi.
With the Bluevein on her left, and the vineyards on her right, Summer determinedly approached the main gates, only slowing her mount when she was stopped by a tall Akalak, just outside the city limits.
"Welcome, traveller. Here is a scroll of welcome from the city. It contains a list of our laws, a map of the city, and some advertisements from local businesses that sponsor these scrolls to be made. You can feel free to come in if you agree to our laws and turn this scroll back in when you leave so we can reuse it."
Summer dismounted before accepting the small roll of papers and thanked the man with a smile in slightly accented common.
Summer shifted through the papers, and skimmed the important parts. The laws were simple enough and she swiftly agreed to the terms, entering the city on foot with the guardsman's blessing with her Strider following at her side.
Summer studied the map as she drifted through the busy streets until her mare's velvet nose nudged her shoulder making her stumble and she found herself grinning at the creature in amusement.
"All right then, first stop's the stables" she murmured, mostly to herself, and turned her eyes back to the map, staying where she was for a moment as she got her bearings.
Eventually, with lots of glances from the paper to her surroundings, she nodded and patted Kivas' long neck to gain the animal's attention, moving swiftly through the streets towards where the stables should be located, her strider following her sedately.

by **Ayanna** on June 29th, 2012, 10:17 pm

Timestamp 512AV 3rd day of summer
Ayanna fingered the straps to her backpack and tugged her hood lower over face, so the paleness of her Symenestra skin wasn't immediately obvious. She looked u at the city, Riverfall. It had been three years of travel so far to get her here finally. This place wasn't her end destination but it was a place she had been looking forward to getting to. The races here would keep her busy for some time as she gathered information. She walked towards the city gates where two guards stood, neither looked like they would turn someone away base don looks alone. Or so she hoped. She paused and pulled out a hand mirror to look herself over one more time. Some powder covered her face, and neck to hide the grey veins from immediate vision, a bit of khol lined her eyes to make them pop and bring attention to her eyes not her skin. Even a little bit of mica dusted her lids, a light purple. She bit her lips as she put the mirror in a pocket in her cloak. She was still worried about how the guards would react to her looks but her fear was unfounded.

She wan't wearing her armor, yet, but she did have her exoskeleton shirt on under her body wrappings. Her weapons were all in their holders, her quivers and arrows on her back. Her blowpipe, which thankfully was collapsible, was in her rucksack along with her needles. Her lash was on her hip but rolled up and out of sight. She looked like a normal traveler. Mostly.

She came up to the guards, who looked at her and shrugged, unimpressed by her small height. She had to crane her head back just to see their faces! They were all so tall.

"Welcome, traveller. Here is a scroll of welcome from the city. It contains a list of our laws, a map of the city, and some advertisements from local businesses that sponsor these scrolls to be made. You can feel free to come in if you agree to our laws and turn this scroll back in when you leave so we can reuse it." on guard told her and watched her for her answer. Ayanna looked them over and nodded before looking back at the man.

"Yes I agree to your laws." she replied and they nodded letting her through.

Ayanna stowed her papers in her rucksack, except for the map and she looked it over.

Well I guess looking for a place to stay that's cheap would be best. she thought to herself as she looked over the city, the hustle and bustle of it unintimidating compared to the other cities she had seen as well. She looked at all the people, the tall Akalak's who she was so curious about. She breathed in deep, realizing she had been scared of being rejected from this city. She smelled the usual smell of a city, sweat, urine, perfume, and that general stink you get when so many people are so close together. Under all of it was the smell of water, fresh and clean. She paused and checked her image once more in her mirror, before she set off.

Location [Riverfall] The Land and Sea Gates