Santhros Gate

[Hey Jood]

At Santhros' gate, a lone guard stands out front. He stands unmoving, as though he is in a trance. He looks straight forward, almost unblinking, out into the horizon, watching for incoming travelers. This prestigious honor of guarding the Main Gate is done by none other than the elite guard of the city of Bardavos, his name, Jorud. He stands to the right side of the gate.

Above him are the other guards of the Main Gate. Their job is to raise and lower the gate, on Jorud's command. Also, on Jorud's command, a volley of arrows can be fired at the person wanting access to the city of Bardavos.

Yet, there is something unique about Jorud, which is quite unexpected for oncoming travelers; Jorud is a dwarf who has seen his fair share of life and battles.

To gain access to the city, it is somewhat apparent that you will need to ask him. For he will not greet you, nor make the slightest notice of your arrival until you ask for entrance to the city. He might deny immediately, drill you for answers, or let you in immediately.  

[Brutus Maximus IV]

There stood the great gate of Bavardos. At a hundred feet high and 30 feet long the gate was a great looming feature that showed off the powerful wealth and greatness of the city that lay within. In front of the gate stood the famed guard Jorud, who was given the honour of gatekeeper. In his hands he held a long spear of the deepest black and sharpest edge. Despite his height, Jorud kept a powerful presence within the area. Gazing deeply into the horizon, he had a stare that could sear stone.

It was midday and the sun was dazzlingly bright and Jericho Tyiis figure was visible in the distance. Swiftly making it to the gate, Jericho dismounted his trusty camel, Aghii, and walked towards the gate whilst holding Aghii's reins in his left hand.

"Good day guard, I seek entrance to this most illustrious city" Jericho called, with a glint in his eye and a wry smile across his face.
Jorud slowly turned around and powerfully stared at Jericho without replying. Yet, even though Jorud's stare would normally cast the face of a person down, Jericho returned his stare. Upon seeing this, Jorud's face cracked a half smile "You have the gaze of a strong man, I respect that, now what business do you have within the city?"
"I seek to sell my merchandise, and little else. I have found that the distant lands hold little hospitality. Bavardos is a shining ruby amongst rough rock, and I seek to see the city for all its famed greatness."

Now upon hearing this Jorud stood and pondered. In one side of his mind he knew that Bavardos was already bursting with merchants and that any more may be too much. However he liked this stranger, and found his demeanour refreshing. And so, after a small period of thought, he stated "I shall open the gates for you merchant, but I shall have to search your wares and goods to make sure you are not dealing narcotics or other unlawful wares".
"I thank you for your decision, and please go right ahead, I have nothing to hide" Jericho happily replied.

And so, after spending a good 15 minutes of searching, Jorud was content with the wares that Jericho held and sounded the all clear sign to the guards above. "You do know that you have a salamander in your bag, merchant?" Jorud said whilst walking to back to his post. "Ah yes!" Jericho replied, "He's called Flare", to this Jorud slowly nodded whilst thinking about how strange foreigners are.

And Jericho made his way through the great gates of Bavardos, and entered the great city for the very first time.