Sarka, Klos 19th, 350AC, 09:15  (underground, 65 degrees, crescent moon)

You walk up the stone ramp that spirals inside the tower.  Several empty carts pass you, heading downwards.  At the top, you follow the passage that circles within the tower wall.  There are more badder soldiers here: maybe between 50-70.  At least half of them are hoplites, the rest are archers, or are operating the four ballistae that are pointed outward into the cavern from the tower.   At each cardinal point, an archway leads to a covered stone bridge that stretches across the cavern.  At the end of each bridge is an opening into the rock (more tunnels or caverns beyond?).

The badders herd you along the northernmost bridge.  You can see that the northeastern quarter of the main cavern is similar to the northwest where you entered:  lots of huts and houses.  You enter the tunnel which forks, then forks again.  The badder escort stays to the left both times, and finally stops at the tunnels end.  You are facing two wooden 5′ square doors, reinforced with metal bands and rivets.  A rune is etched upon the metal of both doors.

The colorfully dressed badder says something unintelligible, and one of the soldiers raps on the right-hand door.  The door opens a crack to show the silhouette of another badder whose eyeshine glows yellow for a moment, before the door opens the rest of the way.  The badder is apparently female as she is wearing a fiber dress.  (Clothing seems to be the obvious difference in males and females.  Those of you paying closer attention can tell the males are a little larger, have wider faces, and a muskier odor.)  After a short verbal exchange, the colorfully dressed one turns to you.  His eyes narrow and you feel the buzzing sensation as you understand his badder-speak.

“King Rrullka will summon you tomorrow for an official meeting.  Your quarters are here, in Sir Cyr’s den.  Ghrerah here will show you to your lodgings.  Today you may stay here, but you are free to wander the lower city.  You are not allowed to wander these upper levels, unless specifically invited by a member of the nobility.  We (gestures to the soldiers) will be stationed here, and will escort you anytime you are moving along these upper passageways.”