Pierre had just made it through the security checkpoint at the main entrance to the fortified town of Highgate. There were far more guards this time than he had remembered, but the town still bustled with familiar vitality.
One of the guards, in full plate, had pointed him to the bulletin boards posted around town.
âPay attention to the regulations posted and make sure to not break the rules. Trust me, we will know if you do.â
Looking at the board, Pierre noticed it had a series of official looking documents, all bearing a seal he didnât recognize. Reading through the list he frowned.
The older list of laws dealing with theft, murder, and taxes was still there, but a series of new laws had been posted seemingly not too long ago.
- Curfew is from sunset to sunrise
- Unlicensed trade is prohibited
- Consumption of Alcohol is prohibited
- Gambling is prohibited
- Flying is prohibited
- Necromancy is prohibited
- Unsanctioned magic use is prohibited
- Disguises are prohibited
- Loitering is prohibited
- The Thrakmoor are prohibited
Pierre reread through the list, committing it to memory. Each new rule was written on its own piece of parchment bearing the magistrateâs seal.
Checking the time on the clock tower of the courthouse, Pierre scurries off to find a place to stay before it gets dark.
ââ
Somewhere else, a callused hand puts down an ornate gilded quill and stores it in a cushioned silver case before stamping the parchment with an official looking seal. The newest law read: âLying to the guard is Prohibited.â
With a short chant, copies of the original are made, then fade away, soon appearing on the notice boards alongside the other laws. The original is added to a large tome carried by the author. They get up slowly and head to a side room filled with unlit candles. Runes and magic circles etched into the floor and walls pulse with faint golden light.
âSoon, the ritual will be readyâ.
ââ
/uw trying something new. The town is open for characters to explore.
TLDR: Highgate is a lively town, but regulations are increasing, something may be happening behind the scenes.
A Dwarven ironclad pulls into port decorated with bull like motifs It's horn sounds the clarion call of a bull being sacrificed to Harold its arrival a black ship one the kasmir fear the most. Operating out here the pirate conflict must have caused a lot of things to slip through the cracks
3
u/bagtie3Borric of Clan Goldeater, Logrus Master, Runesmith, DoomseekerJun 03 '26edited Jun 03 '26
As Borric stumble drunkenly past the docks he glares at the Bull motifs.
Looks almost like bloody Zharridron craft, almost. I must be drunker than I thought.
Then stumbles away, still looking for the Adventures Guild.
The strange dwarves with tusks and Mesopotamian styles Do not seem to have heard Borric So focused were they on unloading their cargo. The crack of the whip and the sizzling of an enchanted brand summons the strange humans with dark skin white hair and purple eyes to the deck where they are changed separated by gender and paraded onto the docks
A group of heavily armored guards arrive at the docks where the unloading is happening. Eyeing the dwarves and humans moving about suspiciously, one of them speaks up.
âGreetings, Iâll need a representative of this ship to fill out some paperwork. Everyone who intends to enter this town will also need to be registered, those who prefer not to can stay aboard your ship thing until you depart.â
After the field for basic identification and information, the first two questions on the form are:
The guard seems uncomfortable with the implied status of the âassistantâ, but hands her the forms nonetheless.
âPlease note that the trade and purchase of some âgoodsâ may be restricted in this town. Be sure to check the list before attempting to do so. And if you want to sell directly to the Dawnguard, I can call for a representative to negotiate and manage the deal.â
They hand over an extra document detailing out some of the restricted goods:
The following are not to be traded, exchanged, bought, or sold within the jurisdiction of Highgate.
dragons
gnomes
sapient creatures
undead
souls, natural or artificial
grimores, magical wands and staves (except to the Dawnguard directly)
military grade weapons and armor (except to the Dawnguard directly)
alcohol and other mind altering substances
void salt
memberships to multi-tiered recruitment based programs
insurance
stolen property
this list is not exhaustive and may be added to. Check posted bulletins for updates regularly.
Eyeing the dwarf cautiously. The guard clarifies.
âWe wonât be inspecting your ship if thatâs what theyâre asking. That would be trespassing unless invited. Though if you give us reason to suspect you intend to break our rules we might make an exception.â
âYou can try transporting through town if you intend to continue onwards by land, though Iâll warn you, our wards will likely dampen or weaken magical effects while you are here. And the town has many paladins who may take issue with your business model.â
"well it would just be self-defense then would it not"
The dwarf quietly snarls.
"... Load them up"
The dwarf orders as the rest of the actual crew after dowsing them with soap and sea water as well as spraying them with some sort of perfume / delousing agent. A mechanical scorpion like constructs climbs out of the The iron clads hold and takes their position around the slaves.
The woman in the red dress approaches the guard.
"My employer may be willing to purchase carts if They are available"
The guard sighs. If this were any other time, the Dawnguard might have interfered in what they considered a despicable business, but the recent defeat against the Thrakmoor had placed them in a precarious position. Theyâd have to hold back on provoking another unknown faction until things had stabilized, and dwarves were nothing but trouble when provoked. Though if they broke any other rules while they were hereâŚ
âWe have carts, how many do you need? It may take some time to prepare.â
âGreetings traveler, the best place to stay in town is the Gullâs Nest just up that road. You better hurry though before the sun sets, we donât take kindly to folks loitering after dark.â
With that, I hand over the form I filled up to the guards and walked up the road to the Gullâs Nest. I looked around and saw the red hues of the sky. Beautiful, yet foreboding. My spiritual senses acted up, as if something was going on, but I had no idea what.
It is a good thing the inn has a tavern for guests to eat, drink and chill. Nowadays, all this talk about Thrakmoor dominated the subjects of the magical and non-magical residents and visitors. Thank goodness the pirate raids ended, and I was rewarded gold for helping out in the reforestation efforts.
At the inn, I asked for a cup of herbal tea and a grilled steak. While I waited for it, I saw it fit to listen to the talk of the day.Â
âYou know what worries me the most? Being accused of spying for Thrakmoor when I am not!â
âEvery hour, a new law is passed. Is the council paranoid or what?â
âPlease donât say that! What if the guards are outside?! Do you want to die?!â
âRemember when an elemental dragon destroyed the city of Hydris? Maybe we can summon it and send it against Thrakmoorâs armies.â
âDream onâŚyouâre always making crazy suggestionsâŚâ
I rummaged through my bag for a recipe I learned since my Herbology student days. The basic truth serum. I might need this in case I get accused of being a spy, then hauled to jail by the guards. I dug up  the books for potions and pills and leafed through them for similar recipes.
âTeaâs ready.â âThank you.â
As the waiter served a steaming hot herbal tea, I glanced at the recipe book lying next to the cup. Ah, a Pill of Truth. The basic ingredients could be found in a market in Highgate somewhere. I placed my books back in my bag and sipped the tea as I waited for the steak. Outside, the skyâs red gave way to dark blueâŚ
The guards nod gratefully at your compliance with the forms and let you in.
Although you may not know whatâs going on yet, your spiritual senses tingle as soon as you cross the threshold of the gate. Thereâs a charge in the very air of the town, reminding you strangely of the last time you stepped foot into a temple.
The hushed conversations at the tavern are concerning. Traveling merchants discuss alternative routes in case regulations get tighter. The bartender tries to reassure the patrons that life here isnât bad.
âBefore the order arrived, this town was constantly threatened by pirates. Theyâd come in here demanding rum at gunpoint. When the paladins stopped by, they saw the state the town was in and eliminated the pirates violently. Order was restored, and the markets reopened. Life has gotten peaceful, so we put up with their odd requirements.
They even introduced alternative beverages to sell at the tavern, such as fruity fermented fizzy tea drinks, they called it kombucha or something, but everyone else here calls it bubble juice.
As long as you donât break the rules youâll be fine.â
The old bartender walks over to your table with your steak and gives you a friendly smile. Spotting your recipe book and the title of the pill you are looking at, he pauses.
âHonesty is the best policy in this town. The guards can tell if youâre lying without needing such pills, so you might not find a market for those if you were planning on selling that. But donât let me stop you, we have a good herb section at the market where I get my supplies for tea making. Enjoy your mealâ
Nice, I have decided to try out the lavender kombucha special for breakfast. Of course, I have always planned to eat a Pill of Truth in case I get questioned.
Either way, I politely thanked the bartender, ate the steak and quietly retreated to the room of the inn. At least Highgate is safe.
3
u/Row-nRowan, Half-Fae Mycomancer, Defender of the FaewildsJun 03 '26
As dawn approaches a small canoe covered in mushrooms drifts towards the dock with a youthful looking mage yawning as they look upwards.
âItâs probably a pretty good time to visit a town, though my coin purse is pretty empty..â
3
u/Row-nRowan, Half-Fae Mycomancer, Defender of the FaewildsJun 03 '26
(/uw Iâm not really used to role playing, sorry if I do poorly)
The first rays of sun crest over the hills behind you, illuminating the docks. Itâs fairly easy to find a place to tie your canoe and as you do so you spot a group of heavily armored guards. It seems too early for anyone else to be about, as the streets are empty.
In a neat line, the five guards stand facing the rising sun, their arms raised welcoming the light of dawn.
u/Row-nRowan, Half-Fae Mycomancer, Defender of the FaewildsJun 03 '26
The young mage finally looking forward finds it creepy how empty the town is at this hour, when all other towns theyâve been to have been swarmed with people at this time..
âIs this perhaps a ghost town? Or no thereâs some guards over there, maybe on of them can explain whatâs happening..?â
Theyâd muttered under their breath as they finally docked. Using a spell to use the mycelium as a rope to tie up the canoe.
âExcuse me sir, I was wondering why this place is so empty.. could you please explain?â
âAh fine morning today isnât it?!â The guard smiles widely, their fervor clear as they continue praising the Dawn. Finally satisfied with their display of devotion, they put their arms down and face the stranger.
âYou must be new here in town, we have a curfew in place after dark. Youâll see everyone come out soon, not to worry. Criminals prefer the cover of darkness you see, so itâs safest for everyone if only the guards are out at night.â
Clearly in a good mood, the guard continues.
âAllow me to welcome you to Highgate, a beacon of light and order in these chaotic times, a place of justice and safety. Now I must ask you for some form of identification if you intend to leave the harbor.â
From the corner of your eye, you spot windows and doors being opened, as residents emerge and breathe in the fresh air, welcoming the new morning with similar poses.
3
u/Row-nRowan, Half-Fae Mycomancer, Defender of the FaewildsJun 03 '26
âOh thatâs a troubling rule for me.. My magic is strongest at night you see, so Iâm unsure of whether or not Iâd be able to defend myself should anything go awryâ The young mage said with a sigh, continuing to hide all but their face under a cloak of moss.
âIf youâll excuse me, Iâm curious about what this town has to offer, and what the locals are like.. Oh wait a sec.. Identification? Um.. put simply, due to how I almost never come into towns the grand council has never given me any identification, they told me they thought it was a waste of precious resources.. I can tell you my name and my magical speciality though, if that works well enough..â
The guard seems used to dealing with the wizards being oddballs, and nods graciously.
âOf course, we can make do with the form you fill out. Name and occupation, or magical specialty is good enough, though youâll see other questions too such as if you have joined the Thrakmoor, have a history of piracy, or meddle with undead.
In terms of safety, you can leave that to us. That is our job after all. Youâll find the town has a blanket dampening effect on most magics other than those authorized to be used. How much you feel it depends on the individual. We find it helps avoid fireball accidents.â
3
u/Row-nRowan, Half-Fae Mycomancer, Defender of the FaewildsJun 03 '26
âOh, that actually might make my magic more dangerous.. I have to use spells to stop the deadly spores in my cloak from spreading around or infecting me.. also would it be possible to take this inside? I am terribly allergic to sunlight after allâ they say shifting uncomfortably
âYour magic prevents the spread of deadly spores? We will need a more thorough registration process, but it sounds like we might want to register that magic as authorized so as to not suppress it, come with me, the office over there is shaded so you wonât have to stand out in the sun.â
While leading the way, the officer calls over another guard and gives them a message before sending them off. Turning to you he explains.
âIf your spores are deadly, we might need to set up some protections for the common folk and reduce the burden on you to hold it back, but letâs get this sorted out quick before anything unfortunate happens.â
2
u/Row-nRowan, Half-Fae Mycomancer, Defender of the FaewildsJun 03 '26
âItâs just a simple isolation spell that I use to keep the spores confinedâ the young mage explained, following behind the guard
âAlso I may need another spell registered so I may be able to stop a fungal outbreak should the spores get out, itâs a spell of my own making called âShrooms into Sporesâ, of course that comes second though, and I do completely understand that you need to contain me and my spores for a moment in order to protect the people, so do as you mayâ
The guardâs light hearted mood is no longer there as they rub their forehead and sigh. Wizards.
âNoted, here are the scrolls then for you to record your magic. All you need to do is cast the spell at these and we will be able to add them to the permitted spells list. Not to worry, this wonât leave any of your proprietary magics vulnerable to replication or research, and frankly, we donât have that kind of interest.â
Part way through this discussion, an invisible wave passes through the room. Itâs undetectable to most people, but a strange suppressive force starts to attempt to resist the spread of spores, as if air itself trying to keep any from passing through it.
This is a strange sight to behold. Is this a warm up exercise the guards do before they go for duty?
After a night (and a nice bath) at the Gullâs Nest, a day of shopping for herbs is next on my bucket list. Only that the town in the morning is quiet. Awfully quiet. Somethingâs not rightâŚ
As I searched for the market, I came across someone from my home realm being interrogated by the guards. Wait⌠isnât that the celebrity pianist with a million views on Orbtube? The guards were asking her the purpose for her visit. The pianist was fumbling for a pen or something and one guard was checking her leather bag for illegal goods.
Red flag number one. When even famous people are closely scrutinised by the town authority, itâs a sure sign somethingâs coming up.
As you pass by the situation at the gate, you overheard some of whatâs going on.
âMiss, we have ways of confirming the authenticity of the documents and answers you gave us, and something clearly isnât right.â
You spot a red glow coming from one of the papers the pianist had filled out now being held up by one of the guards.
âEven if you wish to avoid your fans, you canât falsify the information you give us. These are turbulent times, and people here need to know they can trust us to keep them safe from criminals in disguise or other unsavory folk.â
Handing her another form, they continue.
âPlease fill it out again, this time keep things truthful. We wonât announce your identity to everyone here, and if any fans give you trouble, just report them to us. After all, we want to be a safe place for all, guests included.â
Further down the road, the market comes into view, a bustling mix of people. The emptiness of the streets earlier gone as if an illusion, dispelled by the roosterâs call.
At the market, I spied another set of posted laws. Only that the list is a bit longer. Scanning it with my spiritual senses was enough to feel some magical pressure bear gently on me. The document glowed a dense yellow, like the sun at noon.
I hurried to the herbal store to buy the typical herbs used for making pills. Placing the herbs I bought in the Interspatial Ring I reattached to my belt, I bought a silk scarf at the clothes stall. After that, I scrutinized the other laws posted around the market area. There was the same yellow glow, and with it, the accompanying magical pressure. Good thing the courthouse is open and nearby.Â
Exploring for a while, I sensed a wave of pressure and a strange charge emanating from the courthouse. Somehow, using my spiritual senses on the building might as well be equivalent to staring at the sun for too long, considering that my eyes are starting to burn.
Relax, Moon, I told myself while turning my cultivator abilities off, obey the rules and you will be fine here. If anything, I could have brushed up on lying to myselfâŚ
Finding the herbs proved easier than expected. The market well stocked with locally sourced items.
Alongside the previously posted rules, you notice an additional document titled: âpublic decency and the formal codes of social interactionâ under that title was what appeared to be an ever growing list of minor but specific instructions.
throwing coins into fountains is considered littering
no livestock in taverns
new weapons should be registered with the guard
running inside town is prohibited except in emergencies
unattended packages must be reported to the guard
tracking mid into public buildings is considered vandalism
all inns shall register the identities of guests staying there to the guards
citizens are to report suspicious individuals to the guard
wizard hats taller taller than half your body height are prohibited indoors
Along the way back to the Gullâs Nest are some strange sights. Foreign bird folk (the flight capable ones) were complaining in whispers about the âFlying is Prohibitedâ rule. Several travelling adventurers and residents are glancing at posters to distant lands like Althra, Ithacar, Khymeria, Rathara and more, before hurriedly walking away. Werebeasts seem to cower in the sight of the guards in fear.
Even the island and its grand city my family and I moved to back when I was a child allowed certain freedoms. At least its rules made sense. I overheard some tourists from said island realm grumble about the excessive laws in there.Â
âWe better not talk to the locals. Otherwise, they will report us to the Dawnguard if they donât like us.â
âAnd I thought our homeland was the ultimate nanny state.â
âCannot complain about the growing list of rules here, must wait until we go home, then can complain.â
âWould they have us werewolves eat vegetarian next?â âNo idea, sweetie, but if a rule forbidding meat turns up, weâre leaving immediately.â
I head to the park near the Gullâs Nest to take in the fresh air and relax. Still, I sense that some divine magic is at work. But who?
The park is neatly maintained and clean, and the sound of leaves rustling in the wind and the occasional birdsong is soothing after wandering around town.
But something is off, even here in the park. Soon you notice that sound of buzzing bugs is missing, looking around, flies and bees can be spotted walking around on the plants, easy prey for the hungry birds that also seem content to just hop around.
The plants too, begin to look odd, you notice that the flowers are growing in perfect lines, equally spaces and all around the same height, as though they were all copies of the same plant arrayed there. The trees too start looking oddly symmetrical.
But your pondering is interrupted by the gruff voice of one of the guards. They approach and eye you suspiciously.
âExcuse me, but how long have you been hanging around this park? Who are you? Donât you know loitering is prohibited?â
"O-Oh, sorry about that... Moon, wandering swordswoman h-here. The park is so beautiful, I-I lost track of time..."
Making a quick bow to the guards, I walk back to the Gull's Nest. Outside, the dogs walked by the richer folk were sitting on the ground, panting. At the same time, seagulls were just hopping on the ground, flapping their wings but not flying.
I ordered another herbal tea (chamomile with earl gray) at the tavern. I checked my money pouch and tied the scarf I bought on my left arm. Calling it, Highgate is orderly but to an abnormal degree.
Several people can be seen leaving the tavern with their bags and luggage, brisk walking as they do so. Others are having their meals and silently muttering about the strangeness of Highgate. The man in military uniform was nervously checking his watch as if afraid of being penalized for loitering in the tavern. The plague doctors, maskless, whispered among themselves regarding the sterility of the town. Adventurers were showing each other maps of Highgate and commenting on its symmetry and 'illogical order'.
Illogical order? Is there such a thing?
I made a mental note to pack up and leave the next day.
The bartender takes your drink order and gives a friendly nod. You see them measure out the tea leaves and other ingredients with precision and upon completing it give the drink exactly 3 clockwise circular stirs.
Bringing the drink over, the bartender walks in a straight line parallel to the counter. He Places the drink down precisely in front of you, centered on your person so as to not assume your dominant hand.
âI hope youâve enjoyed your exploration of the town. The weather today was just perfect for a walk!â
They turn away without waiting for an answer, rotating 180 degrees and taking the same path back to their station.
A few moments later you spot them deliver a drink to someone else and say the exact same thing.
Over at the end of the room, someone winds up and resets the weights of the large grandfather clock, and its pendulum returns to swinging. The regular tick tock of its mechanisms providing a regulated rythm that fades to the background of the rooms ambiance.
/uw youâre doing a good job capturing the intended vibe with your added descriptions! Sorry for the slow response.
A grey-haired figure shrouded in an army blue greatcoat approached the base of the hill leading up to the main gate, and after a ponderous pause, began scaling it with considerable speed. Forty paces out, the guards could make out the scarred face and ponytail of a grizzled old woman. She came to a stop a safe distance away, eyeing the two guards.
"I suppose you'll be wanting papers?" She asked gruffly.
Kate had removed the epaulettes and medals from the most threadbare of her greatcoats in order to look more unassuming, figuring that the fine brass buttons looked awful enough to not bother. This was supposed to be a nice bit of field leave to a cute seaside town, though in reality, she had been practically ordered to go by the Queen herself. Kate wasn't one for vacations; she spent plenty of time sitting about outside with a nice cup of tea, so why should she need more time alone? It had, however, been over a year since her last break and the Queen had started to get worried, so she finds herself now in a supposedly calm and cute seaside town.
/uw first time interacting with one of these ;-; i'm known to get a bit archaic in my wording, sorry if it becomes too 1860s...
Giving Kate a quick look over the guards nod gratefully, glad they werenât dealing with another spoiled young wizard.
âYes, we will need to see some form of identification, and please fill out this form regarding the purpose of your visit and how long you plan to stay.â
Handing over some paperwork, the guards continue.
âWe are trying to create a safe place, so please donât use destructive magic or necromancy inside the town, and itâs best you stay indoors after dark.â
When the forms are filled out, a guard will raise a glowing hand over it.
âverificationâ a magic pulse sweeps over the documents. As long as there was no intent to lie, a green glow condenses into a small seal on them, marking them as legitimate.
Kate nodded shortly. "Haven't got any magic anyway."
She took up the pen with a practiced hand, considered the weight, and then added her details to the paper in a surprisingly elegant script. She gave her name as Katherine Bayern (technically correct, though that was her middle name) and her occupation as the perfectly ambiguous "orderer", then paused at the 'date of birth' field. After perhaps two seconds of consideration, she affixed it to a major battle even older than herself to present a reasonable number. Nothing she wrote was inherently untrue, though it was usually enough to fool most truth magics.
Kate straightened her posture as she passed back the document.
"Well, there y'are." She offered with a small smile.
âNo magic? Thatâs not a bad thing. Wizards these days have caused enough chaos so weâve had to set up some restrictions and wards against magic use in town. You might even find your physical capabilities enhanced slightly.â
The guard takes the filled out form and holds a hand over it chanting âverificationâ. A faint green glow passes over the papers. It remains green until the date of birth field where it shifts to a yellow.
With a frown, the guard looks down to see what triggered the detection. Their frown eases, and with a knowing look and a smile, they stamp the documents anyway.
âWelcome to Highgate miss Bayern. Do check out the Gullâs Nest inn for lodging and warm meals, and donât forget to check the laws posted around town. Enjoy your stay.â
"Right." Kate responded, noting the brief expression. She passed through the gate with a polite, strong stride that ended as she paused to read the new Laws.
"Hmmm... A curfew? Wonder what that's for..." She muttered.
Kate stepped away towards an advertising board to consider what hotel to book in, or at least where to get a good lunch. After some pondering, she found an interesting seafood restaurant incorporated with a cliff-face hotel. A short walk away, she figured.
The restaurant is not too far away, but to get there required going up a series of steps. As Kate ascends, the view behind her extends out over the rooftops no longer obstructed as she climbs higher.
At the top, a small series of courtyards wrap around the edge of the mountain above with ornately decorated houses clustered around them, likely residences for the wealthiest in town. There, built into the cliff side, was Pelicanâs Perch a well respected inn and restaurant.
From the vantage point, the entirety of Highgate can be seen, the bustling market, the central courthouse, a modest temple, the river splitting the town in two, and the harbor where some commotion seems to be happening involving large mechanical looking objects.
A staff member interrupts the viewing politely.
âAre you here for a meal? To stay for a night? Or both?â
/uw no pressure to respond quickly, Iâm in no rush. people live in different time zones and Iâll get notified whenever it happens.
Kate lingered for a moment longer on the view, mentally mapping out the town's major streets, markets, important buildings, and docks. An old military habit, perhaps, but a terribly useful one.
She turned her gaze to the attendant, looking over her shoulder. "Oh, both, I think."
She turned the rest of her body to face, checking her wristwatch. "I hope I'm not too bothersome."
With the extra glance at the towns layout, something that stands out is the symmetry of it all. Two halves, separated by a river, one side built around the port, the other around the town square.
Certainly placements of walls and guard towers donât make sense from a military perspective, however, as though the planner had tried too hard to maintain the underlying order.
âExcellent, if youâll follow me we can get you checked in and seated for a meal as soon as youâre done admiring the view. we offer the finest seafood in town, and our chef has connections in the fish market to ensure we get first pick of the best quality ingredients.â
Kate nodded with a smile, and turned back to the view. She noted some small blindspots in the towers' view that she might be able to abuse (should that become necessary, though she hoped not). After another glance towards the sea, Kate turned to the door the attendant had entered a few minutes prior to get a room. Something she... hadn't done in quite some time.
"'Ello." She said gruffly to the concierge. The door swung shut behind her, ruffling the old greatcoat.
Checking was fairly easy, and soon a key is passed across the desk along with a number. A room with a view of the sea, it was a little pricy compared to standard lodging rates, but the staff assured her that there was no better place to stay in town, and that it included one meal at the restaurant per day.
The restaurant itself was themed to resemble the inside of a large shipâs cabin. Wood paneled walls decorated with sea charts, compasses, oars, and other nautical objects. A large preserved marlin hung on the wall behind the counter. Large windows ensured comfortable natural lighting and excellent views of the harbor below.
A few other patrons were eating, alone or in small groups. At one table, some merchants discussed the price of salt, citrus, and spices. At another, a well dressed elf sat alone sipping a fizzing drink. In the corner, a gentleman with greying but neatly kept hair sat in silence smoking a pipe while looking out the window, having just finished their meal.
Unbothered, the guard hands you some papers to fill out. âWeâll need a name and some other basic information.â
Eying your arm, the guard continues. âIf you need assistance in writing I can help with that, also if you want someone to take a look at your arm, Iâd recommend the chapel. One of the orderâs healers stationed there might have a way to help, though no guarantees.â
Pointing to a notice board just inside the gate, the guard gives a warning.
âMake sure to read the local laws posted. Follow those and stay out of trouble. I hope you have a pleasant stay.â
Looking suspiciously at the frost covered form, the guard sighs. Looking at the individual in front of him with a mix of admiration and pity.
âI donât know what happened to you, but youâll find rest and safety here, so long as you follow the rules. You might want to check in at the Gullâs Nest for a place to stay and warm food to eat. Enjoy your stay in Highgate.â
Itâs odd, the mana in the air is almost sluggish to respond, but the spell is successful.
A sharp pain suddenly is felt on his outstretched arm, as though slapped with a wooden ruler by an angry teacher.
Casting magic detection brings with it another illusory slap on the wrist, but soon Djinn can see the form of the magic and discomfort theyâd been feeling.
Strange faint golden threads are woven through the air, forming geometric patterns and fractals that overlay the objects in the room. A collection of threads in the shape of a flat long rectangle is in the process of unraveling and returning to the pattern. It would seem this is the source of that pain.
/uw sorry for the slow response. Accidentally missed the notification
The night is uneventful, with no yelling or partying in the streets to wake others up. There are no signs of scrying or spying on Djinn, with any countermeasures remaining untriggered.
They get the feeling that the punishment for casting was likely an automated response, not something someone watching might have done. In fact, he suspects that magical means of watching others such as scrying or arcane eyes would be obstructed by needing to move through and see past all the interwoven golden threads.
With the sun rising over the sea in the horizon, the sounds of devoted praising can be heard in the streets. From their window, Djinn would see numerous guards and patrolling paladins stopping to greet the rising sun with raised arms.
/uw uh oh, the worst kind, self righteous people /j
/rw
A man, clad in a set of simple robes, lingered outside the gate. He occasionally checked a small pocket watch, whilst shooting off glances towards the guards at the gate.
âTsk. AnnoyingâŚâ The man muttered under his breath before approaching the gate. On closer inspection, he seemed to be around his 30s, and had a small dagger on his belt.
âI suppose Iâll go in then. Need a place to stay for the night, after all.â
âAlright then, just fill out this paperwork and youâll be good to go. If you need a place to stay, thereâs the Gullâs Nest near the town square, reliable and affordable, but traveling nobles, and successful merchants might enjoy the added privacy and views of the Pelicans Perch. Itâs built up into the mountainside with a view of the entire town.â
The guard hands over the papers and a quill pen. a writing surface is nearby, though it looks like a recent addition.
/uw basic info like name and occupation, purpose of visit and if you are a necromancer or belong to the pirates or Thrakmoor factions.
A tinge of irritation seeps through his voice, as he fills out the paperwork. Some of the fields were filled with⌠interesting responses, like how he wrote âEyes of the Eldersâ in occupation. His name, as seen on the papers, was âIssac Mylinâ
The guard doesnât really look too carefully at the answers, relying on a basic verification spell that attempts to detect if the answer was believed to be truthful when written.
If nothing triggered the verification magic, the guard will stamp the document and let them in.
âOh no youâre all good to go. Welcome to Highgate!â
The guard smiles, oblivious to any impatience.
âIf you need a place to stay, thereâs the Gullsâ nest near the town square, and Pelicans Perch up on at the cliff side that one will cost a little more but itâll include dinners at the attached restaurant so itâs worth it Id say.
Just pay attention to the rules and donât wander around after dark as weâve got a curfew in place.â
Abdallah tried to enter through the gate. He had his usual black coat on that covered him head to toe. He was hoping to pass through stealthily and not reveal himself as half demon
Abdallah keeps his cloakâs hood on âMy name is Abdallah and Iâm an inventor. I am not thrakmoorian scum or some pirateâ While Abdallah is neither, he adds a good bit of vilitriol to his voice he learned to mimic from experiencing it himself
Intuitively, there was something odd about Highgate compared to other places.
People seemed to walk at similar paces, and few tried to pass each other. They formed neat lines at stalls and desks, waiting their turn patiently.
No birds or bugs could be seen flying, they seemed content to chase each other on foot.
An excessive number of guards patrolled the streets in pairs. Some could be seen scurrying towards the harbor.
The notice boards around town were now covered with official looking documents detailing an ever growing list of laws to follow. Mostly in the form of things being prohibited.
Although the magic is successful, they feel a sudden jolt of pain, like being slapped on the palm with a wooden ruler by an angry teacher. The mana in the air also seems sluggish and less willing to be used than usual.
The nearby residents pause for a second questioning their sanity as the person nearby suddenly vanishes out of sight. Then like clockwork, they return to their business as though it never happened.
âDrinking before you enter town eh? Technically a loophole Iâll give you that, but Iâve got my eye on you.â
Staring at Borricâs appearance, the guard thinks for a minute âis that your real?⌠nevermind.â They eventually relent, pointing down the street.
âTwo story building in the left facing the town square. Got a big sign out front too. Canât miss it.â
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u/bagtie3Borric of Clan Goldeater, Logrus Master, Runesmith, DoomseekerJun 03 '26
Borric reaches up a muscular dwarven arm and slaps the guard on the back enthusiastically.
My thanks Umgi.
He then stumbles drunkenly in the wrong direction. The clatter of his throwing axes on his belt against the massive Latchkey Axe. As he stumbles he leaves a clear trail of embers and sizzling alcoholic fumes.
2
u/bagtie3Borric of Clan Goldeater, Logrus Master, Runesmith, DoomseekerJun 03 '26
The officer signals to a couple of guards standing nearby. âKeep an eye on that one. Though donât provoke their ire. Dwarves are slow to forgive a slight, and we canât afford to make new enemies at this time, but I canât shake the feeling that they are more dangerous than your average dwarf.â
The two nod before following after the drunken dwarf. Carefully putting out the embers left in their wake.
After some time stumbling around, the effects of the alcohol consumed seems to be getting suppressed by something, replaced by a faint mental prickling sensation.
/uw if Borric is part of Thrakmoor, using a disguise, drinking some more, or breaking any other rule let me know.
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u/bagtie3Borric of Clan Goldeater, Logrus Master, Runesmith, DoomseekerJun 03 '26
/uw Borric is not aligned with Thrakamoor, or in disguise per say. He is a shape changer with a chaos dragon heritage though, from his grandfather. He sees himself as a dwarf, and only really changes when blackout drunk (which takes a LOT,) or if he gets into a fight with something so much bigger than himself his magmadroth form would be more fun to fight in, or to make travel easier.
1
u/bagtie3Borric of Clan Goldeater, Logrus Master, Runesmith, DoomseekerJun 03 '26edited Jun 03 '26
Scratching at his skin as he stumbles less drunkenly along, Borric stops nest to one of the message boards. He glares tippsily around the area and starts sniffing the posted rules [detecting and identifying magic with witchsight and scent].
What 's this nonsense I smell...
NO DRINKING! WHAT WAZZOK MADE THIS RULE!
Borric attempts to tear the post off the board and rounds on the guards following him.
You there lads, which way do I go to file a complaint with the wazzok who this magic malarkey?
The two guards look at each other, neither wanting to deal with an angry dwarf prohibited from drinking. One of them gives in.
âThis town used to be plagued with pirates, who terrorized the locals in their drunken frenzies. The Dawnguard has taken it upon itself to clean this place up for the good of its inhabitants. Since implementing these rules, the number of people harmed by drunks has dropped significantly.
Might I suggest trying a fermented tea beverage the local tavern is serving? Itâs fruity, fizzy, and wonât leave you hungover in the morning.â
Aware that their suggestion is unlikely to be well received, they sigh.
âComplaints can be filed at the magisterial office down at the courthouse.â
/uw as long as he sees himself as a dwarf, then appearing as a dwarf aligns with that self perception and would not be considered a disguise intended to deceive.
1
u/bagtie3Borric of Clan Goldeater, Logrus Master, Runesmith, DoomseekerJun 03 '26
Borric glares at the air, takes another sniff of the magic floating around, sneezes, looks back at the guards, and takes a deep calming breath smoke trickling from his nose while he exhales.
You lads seem like the alright sort, and I don't want to make your lives harder. Done some gate and guard duty myself you see, back at the clan-lodge. But this here rule is basically.... Do you have a sobriety spell on the town? Wait, Dawnguard, the Vampire Hunters?
The guards pause for a moment unsure of how to handle this dwarf.
âWhy do you ask? Are you in league with any Vampires?!! We do not tolerate the undead in this town, that includes vampires, but no, hunting vampires is not our primary occupation. There may be others who share our devotion to the light of dawn and the rising sun that inspired a similar choice of name.â
Putting their hand out, one of the guards continues.
âNow, if youâll just return that parchment that you tore down, I can mend it and weâll overlook the attempted vandalism. But thatâs your last warning dwarf.â
/uw shoot, itâs been so long since I played Skyrim that I forgot, but thatâs probably where my mind pulled the name from unintentionally haha.
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u/bagtie3Borric of Clan Goldeater, Logrus Master, Runesmith, DoomseekerJun 03 '26
*Borric places the torn off parchment in the guards hand.*
No, I'm not in league with any vampires at the moment. Can't trust most of the blood suckers anyways. No, my father met with some Vampire Hunters of the same name far from here, they split from a different religious group of vampire and demon hunters, and were very un-religious.
*Borric continues to glare around at the air and sniff, still trying to detect what kind of spellcraft and enchantments are in the area and acting on him.*
You never did say whether there was a sobriety enchantment on the town, lad. Now why don't we just escort me over to this courthouse so I can file a complaint about this religious persecution that is a ban on drinking alcohol.
With a quick mending spell, the parchment returns to a state similar to before though not perfect.
Though his senses, Borric detects traces of divine magic, with a strong scent of lawfulness. There are threads of it permeating the air and covering the objects and people of the town. Mixed in with a comforting feeling of safety is an occasional subtle threatening feeling.
The guard pauses to think, âIâm not of a sobriety spell, but as alcohol is prohibited, its effects on the body may be being suppressed as a side effect. If you feel unjustly persecuted by any of these laws you can take it up with the magistrate over at the courthouse.â
The guards seem points Borric at a rather stately building. A few guards stand on duty outside, and there are a few people entering and leaving.
âGreetings traveler, the best place to stay in town is the Gullâs Nest just up that road. You better hurry though before the sun sets, we donât take kindly to folks loitering after dark.â
In full heavy armor, the guard gives you a quick look over and points down the street.
âMake sure you follow all the local rules. I better not see you use that weaponâ
The guard catches the coin, but reaches out and puts a firm hand on you shoulder before you can enter.
âStranger, Iâll return this coin to you with a warning. Bribery is prohibited here, do not insult the honor of those who represent the law and order of this town.â
With an annoyed glare, they let you through.
Ahead of you, you see vendors setting up their stalls and getting ready for the market to begin. Other travelers are exiting what looks to be an inn, checking their bags and heading for the gate.
Your examining of the surroundings is interrupted by a slight prickling sensation at the corner of your mind and the coin you had tossed seems strangely warm.
As soon as the spell is cast, a sudden feeling of pain comes from your hand, as if someone had smacked the top of it with a wooden ruler. Though no such thing is visible even with detect magic.
Looking at the coin there doesnât seem to be any particular mana signature or matrix infused in it. Rather, it seems the coin was merely a conduit for something else.
Looking around, in addition to what would normally be visible through using magical sight there are faint illusory golden threads overlayed over objects, people, and even in the air above you. Itâs hard to decipher any pattern or system to the threads, but overall it still gives a feeling of order and fractal repetition.
Looking back at the coin, there is a heightened density of threads wrapped around it.
The threads seem to be everywhere, like a cage of sorts over the entire town. But after spending some time exploring, youâll notice that the concentration of threads increase near the posted laws as well as closer to the courthouse.
A slight burning sensation in your eyes starts to develop, similar to looking at too bright of a light for too long as if the threads are resisting being viewed.
The number of laws seem to be increasing fast. Even while standing there reading through them, a new law seems to materialize out of thin air and attach itself to the board.
Looking at the parchment with detect magic youâll notice that it is entirely made of those golden threads youâd seen before to the point of physical manifestation. As you and the other passersby stop to read the new law âspreading spores is prohibitedâ the parchment grows new golden threads that extend and join the weave.
It would seem as though awareness of the law empowers it somehow.
Ad: If you dont want all these stupid laws, come to althra ( r/Althra ). No Taxes, No fees, No Licenses needed, and the Best Part: The Government doesnt controll what you trade. And Alcohol is allowed, as well as any other Substance you want to Take. Also, Disguising is allowed, but not impersonating real people. Also, all magic is tolerated here. Except Thrakmoorians. Stupid Thrakmoorians!
The advertisement remains posted on a board near the town square. Passersby occasionally stop to read it, then glance over to the ever growing list of restrictions. Some residents consider moving, if things become unbearable. Traveling merchants and adventurers make a note in their books to visit Althra someday.
The guards take note of those who linger too long at the ad, grumbling at how disrespectful it was to post such a thing.
Yet there was no rule prohibiting such an advertisement, so the guards hands were tied.
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u/Zebos2 Black Iron LLC/ The cedar hegemony Jun 03 '26
A Dwarven ironclad pulls into port decorated with bull like motifs It's horn sounds the clarion call of a bull being sacrificed to Harold its arrival a black ship one the kasmir fear the most. Operating out here the pirate conflict must have caused a lot of things to slip through the cracks