|
|
|
|
|
|
Would you believe that I have been to the pleasure city of Nujel'm? I never thought I would, but I swear upon my honor it was a quest that carried me there. The city itself was more of an adventure than any battle I've fought, if you'll believe me.
It was established, ages ago, by colonists from Jhelom, or so I'm told. It was not successful as a colony, due to its great distance from the parent city, and Jhelom abandoned it to its own devices. Those folk who were hardworking and decent left, and pirates moved in to replace them. It is my theory that the pirates were soon disgusted by the actions of those colonists who remained, for it isn't peopled by robbers any longer, but by the decadently rich. It is not a city of restraint, by any means. It is beautiful, with elaborate, artistic frippery everywhere, from the city walls to the wisps of fabric that the locals call clothes. I admit to thinking that their clothes looked comfortable, and certainly mine were overly warm, but even so I would not wear such garments. They protect the wearer from nothing, neither a raider's axe nor the rays of the sun, and the popular goal of these folks is to roast themselves as brown as a nut. They are an accepting lot, I will grant them that, although I do not know if it is a virtue or a vice. They use magic with the same casual air that you or I would use soap. It serves to keep servants out of sight; twice I saw the dirt and dust in a hallway shimmer and disappear ... and once I walked through a doorway and suddenly my clothes were as bright and soft as though they'd never been worn. They have non-magical gadgets, too, but they never seem to accomplish much of any real benefit. It is all surface sparkle and no substance, a place for moneyed people to spend their gold. They produce nothing more than fancy drinks, and seem content to be ruled by despots. I have seen, however, that behind the white walls and marble columns there is a sad and sordid underside to all the frivolity. The poor folk there are desperate, with no way to earn an honest living and no opportunity for escape. All in all, it is a very clean place that befouls all who walk it. I advise against travelling there. Your friend, Garreth |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |