~Edea Odyssey~
~Oars Rest~
You opened your eyes, the gentle swaying of the ship finally stirring you from slumber. Above, you could hear the shouts of the sailors and their quick footsteps shuffling over the deck of the ship as they rushed to get the ship prepared to dock. It took a few moments to collect your wits and remember where you were. Or maybe you jumped out of bed, excited to finally be on land after nearly a week and a half at sea. Whatever your current situation was, you grabbed whatever belongings you had with you and made your way to the deck as the Sailors rushed around you as their expert hands prepared the ship to dock.
Upon reaching the deck, the sun met you with its usual harsh glare, perhaps momentarily blinding you. As your eyes adjusted, you could see several other ships in the distance, some already docked at the large harbor of Oars Rest. Others, seemed to just be leaving and fewer seemed to be arriving, just like yourself. Perhaps some on those ships would soon be your adventuring comrades? Or were you the type to prefer going it alone, despite the obvious risks that entailed? Perhaps you already met a traveling companion on this ship and decided to adventure together?
Whatever the case, you didn't have long to ponder. The ship you were on docked, and you took your first step onto the continent of Edea.
Or maybe you weren't on a ship at all? Perhaps you had been there for a few days already for whatever reason. Maybe you woke in a bed in one of the many Inns and Taverns that existed across the port city? Perhaps you had a bit too much to drink and passed out at the table you were drinking at last night. Maybe that wench you spent money on woke before you and took all of your money while you were sleeping peacefully?
Whatever your situation, you stumbled out of the Inn or bar, perhaps flashing a suave smile towards a maid or waitress as you greeted the warm morning sun. Perhaps today you would finally leave this place and plunder the riches of Edea.
~The Docks~
The docks of Oars Rest were massive. They had to be, really, and over the five years since the settlement was made it only grew larger. As you took a step off your ship, the first thing you would notice...was how warm this tropical climate was. Much warmer than back in the Empire and Republic. The next...was the smell of fish. Crates of freshly caught fish, most of which you had likely never seen before, were moving across the docks. Fish was a common staple of food in Oars Rest, since the sea provided the settlement with ample bounty. Some crates were even packed with fresh looking tropical fruit, and were being loaded onto ships that were likely going to be departing for Ailon soon.
As you walked towards the shore from the pier, you noticed a number of sailors moving quickly. No doubt they were on a tight schedule to get their jobs done. Most completely ignored you, though one or two rushed down the pier and in an apparent lack of manners roughly brushed past you, almost knocking right into you in their hurry. Not to mention the other people making their way towards the town. Many looked to be bright eyed adventurers like yourself. Traveling was definitely slow going at times because of this, making for what would be a short walk somewhat difficult.
As you walked, you took note of a rough looking fellow that simply seemed to somehow radiate an aura of gloom about him. He was sitting on the railing of a ship, apparently waiting for it to depart, holding his head in his hands. In fact, if you looked you could see quite a few of these people sitting around the docks. They were all wearing armor of varying effectiveness and weapons of some sort. It wasn't too difficult to guess who they were. Washed up adventurers who likely lost quite a bit exploring Edea.
Indeed, for everyone that made it big on the continent, five were met with a terrible fate and even more were simply met with challenge after challenge until they called it quits. Perhaps a premonition of your own fate?
Whatever the case, your thoughts were cut short as you finally reached Oars Rest proper after a few moments of walking. A signpost that was situated on a stone wall from the docks pointed people along their way towards the Central Square, where the shops and representative offices of the republic could be found. A second sign, pointed people along the way towards the Barracks, where the Empires Offices were. Which way would you go? The square to perhaps find some rest before you departed on an adventure? Perhaps you would go to the Barracks or somewhere else entirely. Either way, it would probably be a good idea to try and ask about the best route inland.
~Oars Rest~
Oars Rest proper was as busy as the docks were, with as many shady alleys as there were ships that were ever docked there. A number of horses and carts moved through the street, hauling shipments of things form the docks to the various businesses that existed here. Many of the buildings were made out of wood, likely cut down from the forest nearby. Mix that with the somewhat shoddy construction of a few of the buildings and somewhat haphazard construction of the streets, a lot of the seaside town gave off a rural and somewhat shady vibe. Not much of a stretch to say quite a few people came to Oars Rest to escape the law either.
As you stepped out onto the street from wherever you were staying, the bustle of the streets finally greeted your ears had you not already heard it. People talked as they moved about. Some merchants, some seasoned looking adventurers that apparently already came back from their exploration. They were a far cry from the depressed looking ones that sat at the docks, waiting for their ships to carry them back to the relative safety of Ailon. Perhaps you would survive, just as they had and show this new, hostile continent that you weren't backing down no matter what it threw at you?
Either way, you made your way into busy streets, greeting the day in whatever was your usual manner.
