<strong><span class="bbc_u">The Shards of Kingdoms Past [IC]</span></strong><br/><br/>On the borders of the lands of Rom and the Emerald Forest lay numerous merchant stations. These outposts exist to prevent people and products of illegal nature from entering or exiting either empire. Normally these stations are just a single tower with a few guards though some have developed small towns around them as well. People of all kinds flock to these stations to purchase goods or simply to learn the latest news of the realm. Guards are handpicked from soldiers from the capitol and are chosen because of their high moral standards and Rom military discipline.  Despite guard presence, Brothels and bars spring up at nearly every station and back alley deals with illicit goods and drugs are rampant. Because of the military stationed there, you’d expect the worst events being a simple broken window or a missing candle stick due to a disagreement, but darker deeds are performed in the shadows. At one such station, known as Bishan, a change is beginning that will affect the whole of all empires within the known world. It all begins with a single question….<br/><br/>Bishan, a place of budding wealth and growing reputation, is a good, clean, and carefully guarded merchant station. Guarded caravans are commonplace as the outskirts of Bishan are ravaged by bands of thieves and murderers, but within the city confines it is considered a haven of safety. Everyone comes and goes through the station at some point for major goods and deals headed towards the Emerald Forest. People of all trades head out towards the Emerald Forest; some make their fortunes of course and control large estates within the Rom Empire, while others return in rags and despair.<br/><br/>It is here that you find yourselves, seeking your fortunes, for Bishan allows access to many parts of Rom and the Emerald forest. You might even gain employment as a caravan guard, assistant to a mercer, or test your skills with back alley trades. A number of establishments have sprung up around the way station, forming a town of sorts. There are the barracks where the soldiers of Rom and merchant guards are to be found, the tavern is a good place to find a drink and trade some gossip, and the brothel caters to all types and offers carnal pleasures of every sort imaginable. The main thoroughfare is Merchant Lane where everyone comes to purchase, swindle, and obtain the latest word from the capitol.  Guards are posted in pairs or groups throughout the area, wearing simple leather armor and spears with shields. Capitol soldiers are known by their red and yellow vestments, while merchant guards wear earthen tones.<br/><br/>Recent gossip has been about people from the capitol claiming to have odd dreams and even visions of shadows lurking within the dark and pools of blood flowing from towns and cities. Travelers that venture into Bishan have been known to laugh about these tales and claim it is only a ploy to increase the price of goods. Locals fear this possible outcome and are also uneasy about the sudden influx of wandering bands of people. Regardless of whether they believe the rumors or not, merchants are increasing the number of guards on their caravans just to be safe.<br/><br/>You begin your journey in the merchant quarter. Stall keepers try to draw your attention with their harsh cries and gleaming wares, prostitutes bat their eyes with lingering smiles and promises of alluring flesh, and the tavern is in full swing with the roars of song and dance. Guards are going about their duties, smiling and chatting with the locals while verifying goods and arresting drunks. It seems a typical day, but something hovers in the air. Whatever it is, none of you can place from where this uneasiness stems, so you decide to brush it off and explore the Lane. Nearly as soon as you arrive you hear the sounds of a growing crowd near the middle of the town. Guards are leaving their posts and heading towards the area. From your location you can see that people are being drawn to something but you cannot see what. You overhear a trader nearby telling his friend about a merchant and rewards of gold for an easy task. The mood of the gathering crowd is one of growing curiosity and excitement. Looking towards the hubbub you contemplate your next step.