Arriving at the Keep, Chapter 1, Book I
Keoland, Coldeven (March), 590 CY The Game Begins: You have travelled for several days in a small caravan from the city of Cryllor, leaving the Realm and entering into the wilder area of the Borderlands. Farms and villages have become less frequent and travelers few. The road has climbed higher as you enter the forested and mountainous country. You now move up a narrow, rocky track. A sheer wall of natural stone is on your left, the path falling away to a steep cliff on the right. There is a small widening ahead, where the main gate to the Keep is. The blue-clad men-at-arms who guard the entrance shout at your caravan to give your names and state your business. All along the wall you see curious faces peering down at you - eager to welcome new champions of law, but ready with crossbow and pole arm to give another sort of welcome to enemies. The caravan master quickly answers for himself, his muleteers, and his guards. Then he motions for you, as fellow travels to shout up your names an...