He looked at the papers in his hand

Should he sigh or just wave it off?

It’s not necessarily a bad name. No, it described them quite perfectly, if he were correct in the assumption that he was the green part. His orc lineage overpowered his human one in the sense that his pigment happened to almost perfectly match. Though, in return, his jutting tusks on either side of his bottom jaw were significantly smaller.

Meanwhile, the other half…

His eyes followed other member of ‘greenscale’ ’s tail.

Well, it fit just about right, and he wasn’t the type to make too big of a fuss over everything.

Stretching his arms behind his back, a satisfying series of pops filtered through his body, causing him no little satisfaction as he walked down the cobbled streets.

“Relax, Hush, there’s no reason to be alert. We’re not on the road or in the forest, so we don’t need to look out for beasties. There are no giant spiders, stonetusk boars, or...” he gave a small shiver, “squirrels.”

He was good with not seeing those for a while. Why were they berserk? Why did they look like they had rabies? Why were there hundreds of them?

Eh, past is in the past.

Looking back up at the nine feet of lizardfolk beside him, he couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed that his advice was not heeded.

The town itself seemed quite savvy in the department of architecture. Each building seemed well done, though with the wear of time has whittled down some edges and sides, with engraved decor apparent. The streets were paved with care, and though just as well worn it did not stop it from doing its job.

When you took into account the racial diversity of the town, it was unsurprisingly populated mostly by humans. What was surprising was the amount of light skins when considering the ratio. Lightskins, a much rarer variation of humans versus those of heavier shades, happened to make up a good chunk of the human population in this city specifically. He didn’t know if it was a cultural thing for them to be here, and he didn’t specifically care, but the one thing about them that caught his eye was that they all seemed annoyingly handsome and beautiful. He’s seen lightskins before, and they were not like this.

Culture can be weird sometimes though, so there’s that.

Cragg’ulan took a big inhale, catching a nice bouquet of aromas. Finished wood, a slight tang, a light whiff of alcohol, and if he knew his nose like he knew his nose, then it was finished off with the scent of buttered ham. 

The streets bustled, though it was quite obvious that it is because a special event is going on, rather than it being like this all the time.

The Call of Heroes.

Now, he and Hush knew next to nothing about this city, save it be for what gods are worshiped here, including his own, Cayden, but there is one thing they did know. The Call of Heroes was a monthly event, bringing mercenaries, adventurers, bounty hunters, and even self proclaimed ‘heroes’ from all around. 

Basically, the council had a certain amount of money to spend to help people. Why would they do this? Well, he could think of three. Reasons, that is.

First off, not everyone is financially wealthy. It gives reputation to the council members who are voted democratically every two years, and it helps the people because there are some things they can’t do. The second reason would be allowing guards do their job and dealing with small crimes and keeping the order.

The third, well, it’s good to raise upcomers who are still wet behind the ears, and the experienced people that they bring in also create good publicity. Also it has to do with something something long ago founders were saved by an adventurer something something heroes! Which they are!

“Hey Hush, think we sh-”

“Kghkg!”

Turning around, the half-orc saw the sight of a familiar armored hand picking up what he assumed to be a pickpocket, more specifically one that had been pickpocketing him.

Okay, okay, maybe he should be a bit aware, but really?

“Alright hush, put the squirt down.”

Suddenly unclenching the scruff of her neck, the goblin, which is already small, child, which is even smaller, fell flat on the ground. Not too high of a drop, but with the height of his reptilian friend and the comparatively tiny creature, it still likely hurt.

Sighing, he took out his purse and fished for a silver coin, of which he promptly handed over.

“There are better professions to earn a living wage, even for a kid like you. Now, scurry on.”

A mangled, whimpering voice came in reply, "Y-yes!"

Taking the hint, they vanished as soon as they came.

Cragg’ulan couldn’t help but sigh again, wiping his entire handsome mug with his hand. After putting the purse back, he took out a small bag of reagents, of which he tapped into the pipe he was now holding in his mouth. After lighting it and taking a few test puffs, he groaned.

No matter how positive he tries to think, he still hates cities.