Sinner's Square wrote:On the approach to the Vanguard Barracks, one's senses become dominated by Sinner's Square. Before setting eyes on the place, one smells it. It is the odorous stench of death and rot. The square itself is of cobblestone construction. Large imported stones were set deep into hard-packed dirt. The result was a surface which was hard to walk on and even more difficult to clean. Minute black birds hopped this way and that, picking at the cracks in attempt to find some small semblance of a meal. They volleyed shrill chitters to one another, and when disturbed, moved like a black fog rising from the square. Sinner's Square was the capital city's place of applied justice. This is where those who cross Dominicus come to pay and the good people of King's Court come to watch the proceedings.
A tall permanent gallows stood, towering over the road ominously. Nooses hung, swaying passively, if not threateningly, in the wind. Although usually empty, the square was periodically host to massive roaring crowds which could be seen thumping their feet and hissing loudly for the demise of some 'heathen' or 'pagan scum.' Such hangings were treated as great sport by many, especially the less fortunate citizens of the capital.
Today the sport was in full swing. Hundreds of people gathered in the square to await the hanging of a local pirate - Theo. Some knew his name, but most didn't. Generally speaking, they just were here for the show. Many carried pints, others food. A group of young people heckled a man in stockade while others just waited for the real festivities to begin.
It'd be another half mark or so before the main event started, and the poor of King's Court grew anxious with loud catcalls and boisterous behavior rather uncommon of the early tide.
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