The Karrok Jungle - Arragon City, Capital of the Gruall Clanship
The sound of birds echoed through the Jungle; thick foliage blotted out the sky as beams of light breaking through the treeline gently illuminated the undergrowth. Carved into a gigantic tree stood a massive structure, constructed out of hides, wood, and natural material. Just below it was a vast assortment of platforms built into the tree trunk, with various structures built on top of them, and catwalks and bridges interconnecting them together. Even a few neighboring megafloral trees had more platforms and structures built into them. Gruall of all ages and subraces bustled between the packed walkways and corridors, climbing up and down ladders and entering and leaving various buildings, often hauling goods and materials. A massive marketplace stood in-between two large trees a little far off the city, packed with Gruall browsing market stalls, parked caravans, and various shops and stores.
Standing on the northern balcony of the Deepwood Palace was a massive Jungle Gruall, with dark green scales and small gray patterns down his back… His body was well built and bulky, with a large but relatively short tail… Rotuk Jagrrok, the current Primarch of the Clanship, looked down at the city below, leaning on the side of the balcony railing… The formation of the Gruall Clanship was a monumental feat that took place not very long ago; the clans were disobedient, scattered, and disorganized in the beginning. Although things are much more organized now, it was still a pain, having to get them to step back in line and keep them from wandering off too far… It was clear that the clans weren’t as interested in the idea of keeping together… “We need to keep the clans together…” Rotuk said with a heavy sigh. “You know the Gruall are isolationists though; it’s in their nature to diverge and remain independent…” Lurrik said behind Rotuk. Lurrik’s old, wrinkled, dark brown scales shining faintly off the dim light from the canopy. “I know that much, but look at what we have accomplished together! The first grand monuments to the mother tree, massive cities, a great army... Our unity has made us far stronger than before…” Rotuk said. “Then find a way to maintain that unity; there always is a way.” Lurrik said, shambling over to Rotuk’s side... Rotuk remained quiet, thinking in silence as he watched the city bellow.
The Abberon Desert - Dustbone Den, Desert Merchant Hub
The Dustbone Den, a sprawling merchants hub infested by bandits, thieves, and criminals of all walks around the Desert of Primera… Built inside of a canyon, the Dustbone Den is a very popular site for many Dune Gruall from all across the Abberon Desert. Torches illuminated the majority of the city as many sheets and fabric overhangs covered the majority of the tight corridors, narrow passageways, and external structures. Many houses, shops, and buildings were dug into the canyon with their front sides jutting out of every corner and rock face. Staircases and walkways were built into the sandstone cliffs, packed with Gruall traveling up and down the narrow pathways. The scorching sun was hardly able to scratch the city, as the canyon casted a protective shadow over the Dustbone Den. The jingle of coins, clatter of ceramics, and the voices of hundreds of Gruall echoed across the canyon, signifying the bustling commonplace of such a city…
“I love this scenery… Dusty, rugged roads; market stalls and commerce… Packed streets, warm atmosphere… It all takes me back to my hometown of Dryden.” Zirax said as he walked alongside Grogon, who was several times taller and larger than him. “We aren’t here for sightseeing, remember? We are here to order the metal we need.” Grogon said. “Ugh; you really don’t like having fun, do you? Always ‘war, war, war, death, death, death! Do this! Do that!’ from you…” Zirax nagged as he rolled his eyes. “Well at least I don’t sit at a table and count numbers all day!” Grogon shot back. “If I didn’t do all that important stuff, you wouldn’t have any weapons to fight with.” Zirax said. “Calm down, the both of you. We are just here for materials, no need to argue about your professions.” Callia interjected. The two growled lightly at each other, remaining silent. After a while of silence, Grogon spoke up, “So, what do we need the metal for?” He asked. “Ah… Rotuk is preparing for a potential conflict.” Callia replied. “What is this ‘potential conflict’ he speaks of?” Zirax asked. “I thought you would know at least… I am not even on the council!” Callia said as she let out a sigh. “Rotuk is planning something; something big… I don’t know exactly what, but it has something to do with the clans and the other independent Gruall…” She explained.
“Excellent wares here! Silks, leathers, and cloth!” A shopkeep called as the trio entered the market square. “Fine sir, you look like the kind of fellow in need of a fine blade!” Another called over to Grogon. The market was definitely busy, packed with Gruall, mostly Dune Gruall… Finally arriving at a massive building near the end of the market, the three cut through the line of people towards the building. Built into the rock face was an open window with a Jungle Gruall standing behind the engraved counter. “Hey, you are the famous forgesmith Varaak, right?” Zirax asked him. “Yes, that is me… Here to make a transaction?” Varaak asked. “That is correct, we need fifteen thousand blades ready before the end of the year.” Grogon said. “WHAT?! Fifteen… I- I mean… How would you pay-...” Varaak stopped short as Callia put down a massive sack full of gold onto the table. “This is the upfront payment. The rest will be delivered after your goods are dropped off.” She said. Yes, yes, right away.” Varrak said. “Sorry folks! The forge is no longer accepting new orders for the time being!” He called to the crowd.
Returning back to the city square, Callia, Zirax, and Grogon entered a tavern and sat at a table. “Well, with that out of the way, we should start heading back to the Clanship…” Zirax said. “Yeah, but do we have to walk all the way back? Can’t we just hire a wagon or something?” Grogon asked. “Because, Grogon, Raxxian’s are not cheap to rent or buy…” Callia replied. Grogon sighed. “Well, the earlier we leave, the better… I don’t wanna walk through the desert during the day.” he said.
The Sartovian Steppe - Seltoruioviak, Temple of the fallen world
The Sartovian Steppe, a vast open plain of tall grassland and arid shrubland. Expansive valleys of grass rolled in the wind, tucking and turning with every gust; the trees rocked gently under the warm sun. A small river streamed down to the north, and far off to the east, the treeline of the jungle stood just over the horizon. Standing in the center of the grassland lay the ruins of an ancient temple… The stone lay cracked and overgrown, the damage was very present. Blocks and chunks rested on the ground, collapsed and shattered from the main construction. Some of the blocks had engravings and markings long worn down and faded. It was very clear that this place had been abandoned for some time.
“I think this is the place…” Said one of the Gruall scouts. “Wow… It really is old… How old do you think it is?” Another asked. “Not sure…” the first said. The ancient ruins remained silent and still as the visitors explored the ancient temple. Passing through the massive archway into the ruin, the three found themselves staring at another massive stone archway… Excessively massive… But this one was different… The material, engravings and markings were different from the temple, and it stood in the center of the room, almost pointless to stand there. “I think I know what this is…” One of the scouts said. “It's an old tale; our great grandparents came from this place, they fled another world and came to this one… So the legend says at least, hardly anyone remembers such a time, so we can only guess what’s true.” He explained. “I don’t think this is the place… I would think it would have to be……. Older…” Another said. Yet with a sudden flash of light, the Rift gate began to spark and sing, tearing through reality as time and space warped within the inner circle of the structure. The scout gasped and dove for cover, afraid and startled as the gateway tore open, roaring with magical power. The green light emanated gently from the Rift as it swirled and sparked in its place, reopened once more…
The Karrok Jungle - Arragon City, Capital of the Gruall Clanship
The Gruall council roared with arguments and voices, demanding action… Some wanted to step through the gateway, while others demanded it be destroyed; it was clear an agreement was not going to be found easily. Rotuk sighed, looking down at the arguing groups of Gruall… “We have the gear, we have the manpower and the preparations, and now we have this… Gateway to worry about…” He said to his advisor, Krallox. “I believe it is best that we see this resolved before we make any course of action…” Krallox replied. “You are very much correct…” Rotuk nodded.
“SILENCE!” He suddenly called down to the council. The shouting and arguments slowly calmed down to light chatter and sharp looks as they all began to pay attention. “In these times of tension, unrest, and disorganization; I believe now, more than ever, is it time to remain unified… The unknown lurks behind that gate; we might find friends, we might find enemies… Whatever the case, we will not know unless we search; and search we will, but if we are separated and spread apart, we will never be prepared for what might appear from the abyss. We are stronger together, unified and gathered as one!” Rotuk’s speech held strong with power and passion, certainly bringing the majority of the council to agreement. Though the other portion were still left unhappy, they too reluctantly nodded in silence.
Explorers and adventurers were preparing to pass through the Rift; call it a leap of faith, or dumb ambition… The Gruall had never before been more unified, bolstered and held together under the threat, but also opportunity of the unknown… The Graull armies were being bolstered and expanded, while economic power began to accumulate and grow. A new era of unity and exploration had begun, bringing with it waves of both terror and awe, fear and bravery as the Gruall began their march to the gate…
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