The guard looked at Choa once over as she extended her hand, potion in grip. His eyes could barely be seen through his knight's visor, but she could feel the unpleasant prickle of his gaze on her. His metal gauntlet grabbed her wrist and slapped on a kind of silver bracelet. It was warm to the touch, and instantly shrunk to fit tightly around her lithe arm. There was no room for it to even slide, let alone take off. It was heavy as a gold bar, and Choa had to use her strength just to keep her arm up. It would no doubt interfere with her ability to use her right arm. With his other hand, the guard wrestled the potion out of her hand and tossed it to another waiting guard.<br/><br/>'This is an Oerban Enforcement Band, forged by wizards in Dalara. If you want it removed, bring ten gold to the guard's quarters in the Central District.'<br/><br/>Ten gold was far above the price for the toll. If the guard's face was visible, he would no doubt have a smirk plastered on his face. Corruption was far-reaching, and Oerba was no exception - in fact, it was probably one of the most corrupt places in the empire. A booming economy could do that; it was every man for himself, and in this city, money was power. The guards were not above abusing their power for profit, and the girls were lucky to be admitted into the city with just a slap on the wrist.<br/><br/>'Open the gate,' the guard-captain commanded, and the monstrous steel gate began to lift slowly, heaved open by heavy machinery.<br/><br/>Oerba was a massive city, divided into 5 major districts.<br/><br/>The Central area was the busiest, full of marketplaces and businesses. There would be many places to try and sell or purchase items, possibly bartering for deals. Merchants here were often in need of errand-boys to carry their wares and perform odd jobs. Adventurers were also often hired to protect against thieves and robbers.<br/><br/>The Eastern district had the docks. It was a major hub of transportation and trade routes to other lands; there was often a demand for labor workers here. Most of the labourers were men, and so the prostitution business also thrived. Oerba was a major exporter of steel, and as such the whores here were often called the Steel Flowers.<br/><br/>The Northern district was home to the royal family, who resided in the great castle keep towering over the entire city. There was little to do here, as most of the area was taken up by the castle and royal grounds. Most of the royal staff and army were housed here as well. The Northern district was a good place to try and meet noblemen or noblewomen, or to try and enlist in the Royal Army.<br/><br/>The Southern district was the poorest. It was a mix of slums and ruined houses, a breeding ground for illegal casinos and all sorts of despicable activity. Ironically, the largest church in Oerba was located in this district, its primary mission to care and provide welfare for those without means. They would often give out free meals and various services to those who did not have the means to acquire themselves; volunteers at the church were always welcome.