The Path to New Babylon

[Sasuke Uchiha]

A sweltering warmth blanketed the Dunes as the day’s sky, overcome with a cascade of orange hues, slowly began its decent into twilight. Erik Vrell, the Psychic who had become cross with the Empire, continued on his quest find alliances. Alliances he hoped, this time, wouldn’t end in his death and resurrection at the fountain in the Nexus.

Finally, after many hours by mount, a city skyline came into view. Erik urged his horse forward causing it to pick up its pace. As Erik neared the city, he came upon two guards stationed near the gate; they quickly noticed his approach. Crossing their weapons as he got close, the guard on the left called out to the psychic, "Halt! What do you want? State your business!"

Erik swallowed and cleared his throat, "I want to join New Babylon." As he spoke, he hoped he sounded worthy of joining the faction.

The guard studied the young man for a moment in silence, accessing him for any potential threats, but quickly discarded the thought. Erik Vrell didn’t exactly pose an immediately menacing image. Less than average in size, he didn’t carry much meat on him, and couldn’t stand more than five foot seven at best. With a scrawny frame to boot the guard dismissed any notion of danger outright.

Finally, the guard spoke, his body language stern, indicating he wouldn’t tolerate any funny business, “I see, well traveler, you have come to the right place. This is the grand city of Nippur. Once a mining community abandoned by the Empire, lost to vandals, our great King, Gilgamesh, has returned order, growth, and prosperity to the land. Now, while it is true New Babylon is accepting new recruits, they aren’t taking in just any geek off the streets, you have to be handy with the steel.” As the guard finished talking, he placed a forefinger to the hilt of his blade, made eye contact with his fellow guardsmen, and smirked at Erik Vrell.

Erik’s facial expressions came alive with intent as he looked as though he was about to respond before the guardsmen cut him off and spoke up again, “But, if you insist, and you think you have what it takes, I am sure New Babylon will give you the opportunity to prove your worth. Through this gate is the marketplace where various merchants and tradesmen offer their wares, from here the palace is visible. You’ll want to speak with a man named Anos, but if you can’t find him, look for a younger female with horns on her head. Her name is Eudocia. Both of them carry a lot of responsibility around here and are very busy, so it may prove difficult to locate and track them down, however, either one of them could give you more insight on how to join the faction. Just ask around, the people of Nippur should point you in the right direction. Enjoy your stay and as long as you don’t cause any trouble for me, I am sure you will.”

The physic shared a bit more conversation with the guards, gaining and gleaming as much valuable information about the city as he could before moving on. Once finished, Erik Vrell continued forward, entering the bustling mecca that was Nippur’s marketplace. Now determined to do what he must to prove himself worthy, the prime scanned the surrounding area and the palace in the distance. He wasn’t exactly sure where to look or who to talk to, but there was an entire city waiting to reveal those answers and more!