<div class="floatright">(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eiRQpFDSDL4/maxresdefault.jpg)</div><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;"><span class="bbc_u"><strong>Call of the Blade</strong></span></span><br/><em>A Paladin's Journey</em></div><br/><br/>A clash of cultures. A Kingdom in chaos. The Kingdom of Ausworthar has stood for over a thousand years, one of the shining bastions of the NorthWestern Sphere. A large landmass with flatland stretching as far as the eye can see, fertile fields clinging on to the Aussian River, stretching from Raven Port where it meets the Great Sea, to the Ausworthian Capital of Suworthar.<br/><br/>The population of Ausworthar was centered in several major cities, and farming villages lie along the major trade routes between the vibrant East and the populous West. Nomads, masters of the Horse and ablest cavalry command the Central Plains, and rumors of a foreign port to the North East bringing in exotic goods caught the fancy of many traders. Several islands formed off the South Eastern Coast, mainly an island where famed warriors were born, skillful in the harpoon and light armor. Another island, said to be a refuge from civilians fleeing the Empire of Grassbridge to the South, regulates visitors via two major forts, their guards heavily armed and armored in the fashion of heavy infantry.<br/><br/>Ausworthar was a land recovering in population and industry. The War of the Stars two centuries ago devastated the land, and only now were they able to proclaim naval superiority over their own waters. However, a weak King, and rumors of returning darkness fill the whispers of tavern goers, especially when Ausworthar ceased the export of precious grain to the Empire of Grassbridge, heightening tensions with several rumors of war breaking out between the two powers. What will the fate of Ausworthar be? Will the King regain his senses? What might be the truth behind the decisions of the Royals?<br/><br/>The land called for a hero, and from some of the unlikeliest of places, one might answer the call...<br/><br/><div style="text-align: left;">(http://www.paintingartsales.com/images/August%20von%20Siegen/Medieval_port_city_1316.jpg)</div><div class="floatright">(http://img02.deviantart.net/5547/i/2013/066/8/e/abandoned_legionnaire_by_sebastianwagner-d5x8svt.jpg)<br/><em>            The Raven Guard</em></div>Raven Port, the main trading hub for good flowing into Ausworthar from foreign lands. Ships both commercial and military filled the harbor, bringing business and security to the town and its inhabitants numbering nearly five thousand souls. Ausworthian Marines, decked in studded leather armor and wielding short swords patrolled the streets, augmenting the<strong>Raven Guard</strong>, an elite force of professional soldiers dedicated to the defence of the port and Ausworthar in general. Criminals were caught and dealt with harshly, either put to work as laborers of the state, or placed in prisons where they receive military training to form the frontline of Ausworthian battalions as cannon fodder. Generic guards dressed in simple leather stood by the gates and corners, their faces bored and impassive. Some might say that they were simply in for the pay, standing guard in a relatively secure city, serving a period of five years before returning to the life of a peasant.<br/><br/>The afternoons of Ausworthar was neither overly hot nor cold, an average temperature which might fall to a chill at night. The cooling sea breeze often sent tarps and pennants flying, much to the pride of the soldiers and the chagrin of the merchants. Speaking of merchants, Raven Port houses most of them in the Merchant's Quarter, where markets stretch several blocks, buildings with bakeries and taverns lining up by the side, ready to accept patrons celebrating a good day of business. Many of these were simply minor pubs, as the best inns and houses of debauchery lay in the Entertainment District, or better known as Maureen's Cove, a space north of the Docks which caters to the rich and famous.<br/><br/>Lady Lucille von Edefelt was a noble of her homeland, a headstrong and independent woman who chose her path with the blade, choosing to dedicate her life the pantheon of gods. Strong of heart and boasting a figure which many of her fellow squires swore was itself a test from the gods, Lucille was nothing to be ashamed of in her standing. If there was a goddess of beauty, she might be what her avatar looked like, her blonde hair being one of her more captivating icons.<br/><br/>Throughout her training, it was both Lucille's own prowess, and the blessings of her deity which guided her through the path of trials, empowering her spirit to overcome test after test and emerge as one of the more promising paladins in recent generations. While warriors of her standing were common elsewhere, Ausworthar was not a place where holy warriors were a common sight, although they were more than welcome to make their appearance. A holy warrior once brought darkness to heel during the War of the Stars, and the soldiers of Ausworthar regarded them as guiding lights, as leaders and capable commanders on the field. Among adventurers, they were the bastion of protection, the blade which cleaves their enemies and smite evil, their shields protecting the weak and innocent.<br/><br/>Now a Knight-Errant on her final quest to achieve full Knighthood, Lady Lucille reached Ausworthar on board the<em>Swift Breeze</em>, a merchant vessel bringing settlers from the Republic of Kilgrate while stopping by Lady Lucille's homeland, the Paladin could witness the busy harbor and the wide opening of the Aussian River leading inland. The cacophony of noises signalling the morning of another business day reached the ship, as settlers eyed the first signs of their new home. The<em>Swift Breeze</em>docked soon enough, and while the smell of seawater was strong in the air, wafts of aroma carrying baked bread from the nearby bakeries met the nostrils of those on board, crewmen cheering out as the ropes finally secured the ship to the dock, gangplanks lowered as space was made for those onboard to disembark.<br/><br/>Lady Lucille now stands on solid ground, her first steps into a new world. It might be familiar, it might be an entirely new culture. What was for sure, was that adventures await this young adventurer.<br/><br/>There was the<strong>Singing Swords Inn</strong>, a building known for its owners, a young warrior couple who retired from adventuring to take up a slightly more mundane lifestyle after beating off a demonic incursion in a foreign land. Many adventurers gathered here to witness the lady's unique features and charms, she who called herself a<strong>Shrine Maiden</strong>from the Far East. her husband was an<strong>Assassin</strong>, capable of gathering intelligence as well as influencing individuals around the city for the good of those who could pay.<br/><br/>One of the highlights of<strong>Maureen's Cove</strong>was the<strong>Slick Lick</strong>brothel, a startup which grew into prominence over a decade, bringing in orphan girls and giving them a new lease of life. Merchants and commoners frequented this place for their cheap rates, as well as a monthly lucky draw where the winner gets to sleep with a virgin for free. The other landmark, an upscale Pleasure House by the name of<strong>Maureen's Bosom</strong>was set up by the heroine who single-handedly slew the invaders of Raven Port. Using her body to please nearly five hundred men over a week, the legendary Maureen Neristo came out as the only one standing, the entire company of soldiers dead from a toxin she coated along the walls of her vagina. Carrying her glory and fame, Maureen set up the district which honored her, and the Pleasure House now carries the name and prestige of the Heroine of Raven Port. Only the richest would be allowed in, for the guards who protected the building would be briefed on who to expect each day.<br/><br/>There are other places for Lucille to travel to. Blacksmiths, academies, temples... Raven Port was a city by itself, but not as vast as the metropolises to the West. Still, if an adventurer was to find her way along the Kingdom of Ausworthar, this would be the ideal place for her. As the Paladin takes her first steps, what awaits the Lady in her final trial? Only time will tell, for a new stroy was about to begin...