The sun soared above the sky, harsh rays weighing down even the sturdiest folks in the tentatively named New Lorra, capital city of the Orran Empire. The only city left, of the crumbling Orran Empire.
Yet for a final city, there was nothing more anyone could ask for. A magnificent monstrosity, more a fortress than anything else, the city spanned for miles around, massive and sprawling like a slumbering giant. Built on a hill that dominated the countryside, the ruins were separated into three concentric districts, with each district walled off. Soaring towers rose from the walls, providing perfect vantage points for archers to fire down onto invaders. Furthermore, each district stood above the one before it, giving the defenders a constant height advantage.
However, like its new found inhabitants the city has long since past its glory days. An ancient elven ruin, vegetation lay everywhere, creeping into every crack and crevice as once impenetrable walls and majestic buildings lay sad and dilapidated. The state of it all made Jax wonder what had led them up to this point considering that three years ago, Jax was patrolling the night streets of a small river town.
Two years ago, Jax was singing victory songs alongside comrades and compatriots.
And one year ago, Jax was fleeing from an ever growing enemy. Comrades and compatriots, dead or gone.
Now, Jax stood in the portcullis of the western wall of New Lorra. Behind him, he could hear the hustle and bustle of the newly reclaimed city. Workers worked tirelessly to restore the ruins. Runners ran about through the veins of the city. Smithies roared fire and clanged at their anvils. Masons carved stones and rocks into blocks and foundations. Guards patrolled restlessly about, never sleeping, never resting. Countless others milled about city centers, awaiting to be given purpose.
All around him were mercenaries and cutthroats. Explorers and adventurers. People from all walks of life, seeking a gem no one knew anything about save for the scant rumors that flew about in the breeze, broken and as insubstantial as the texts they were gleaned from and the mouths that shared them.
Ahead of him lay an open field which would extend until reaching a thick forest which surrounded the Boehr mountains. Deep in the heart of the mountains, through twisting caves and endless tunnels is one such location where the Gem was said to reside.
Jax sighed and adjusted the pack that now suddenly weighed heavily upon him. He looked to his right at Kaelin, the only reason why he was on this fruitless endeavor.
"Ready?"
Yet for a final city, there was nothing more anyone could ask for. A magnificent monstrosity, more a fortress than anything else, the city spanned for miles around, massive and sprawling like a slumbering giant. Built on a hill that dominated the countryside, the ruins were separated into three concentric districts, with each district walled off. Soaring towers rose from the walls, providing perfect vantage points for archers to fire down onto invaders. Furthermore, each district stood above the one before it, giving the defenders a constant height advantage.
However, like its new found inhabitants the city has long since past its glory days. An ancient elven ruin, vegetation lay everywhere, creeping into every crack and crevice as once impenetrable walls and majestic buildings lay sad and dilapidated. The state of it all made Jax wonder what had led them up to this point considering that three years ago, Jax was patrolling the night streets of a small river town.
Two years ago, Jax was singing victory songs alongside comrades and compatriots.
And one year ago, Jax was fleeing from an ever growing enemy. Comrades and compatriots, dead or gone.
Now, Jax stood in the portcullis of the western wall of New Lorra. Behind him, he could hear the hustle and bustle of the newly reclaimed city. Workers worked tirelessly to restore the ruins. Runners ran about through the veins of the city. Smithies roared fire and clanged at their anvils. Masons carved stones and rocks into blocks and foundations. Guards patrolled restlessly about, never sleeping, never resting. Countless others milled about city centers, awaiting to be given purpose.
All around him were mercenaries and cutthroats. Explorers and adventurers. People from all walks of life, seeking a gem no one knew anything about save for the scant rumors that flew about in the breeze, broken and as insubstantial as the texts they were gleaned from and the mouths that shared them.
Ahead of him lay an open field which would extend until reaching a thick forest which surrounded the Boehr mountains. Deep in the heart of the mountains, through twisting caves and endless tunnels is one such location where the Gem was said to reside.
Jax sighed and adjusted the pack that now suddenly weighed heavily upon him. He looked to his right at Kaelin, the only reason why he was on this fruitless endeavor.
"Ready?"
