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You follow the path.

While it is winding through the forest, it does generally take you towards the mountain, and this time it does seem to be getting closer.

Sudden 'squaawk' makes you look up. There are dozens of ravens perched on branches above the path that's before you, all of them with red eyes. A larger raven, with one eye red and other blue, is perched, alone, on a branch higher than any other raven.

They look at you quizzically.

A) Bow respectfully to the birds.
B) Throw a stone to disperse the creepy birds.
C) Bribe them with some foodstuffs from your bag.
D) Move along. They're just birds.

"I shall do this for the good of my kingdom!"

For naught are pleas of your courtiers, councilmembers and the Advisor himself; you're hell-bent on embarking upon this epic quest of heroism on your own!

---

Congratulations! Velarien has embarked on an Epic Quest!

During his absence, the Advisor and the court will rule the Kingdom to the best of their abilities.

Velarien will need to secure at least 4 Supplies for return journey; if they drop below that number, he will be forced to return home in shame.

---

You march down the dirt road across the woodland. Birches and ironwoods grow tall yet sparse amongst the tall grasses. You've left the last hamlet and the keep of good nobleman, Yovik, few hours ago. His servants and family, hearing of your noble quest, have given you time to rest, recuperate, and prepare supplies. Your backpack feels heavy with food.

(Supplies are set at 15).

But the Mount Silbar is sticking out like a sore thumb out of the vast expanse known as Black Forest. Witches and ogres are said to be sleeping amongst the roots of perpetually charred and leaf-less oaks that make for majority of the forest.

It is foreboding, unwelcoming, and, you have to admit, pretty scary place.

No matter. You will succeed or die trying!

The dirt path suddenly turns right-ways, the trail following deeper into the forest but not in direction of Mount Silbar itself. To go towards the mountain, you will have to step off the road and traverse the uncharted grasses.

A) Go forth, Mr.Explorer!
B) Let's continue down the dirt path for now.

You send messengers across the Kingdom, announcing that you seek the services of elusive and mystical Wizards.

3*, 4

Courtier from the Kingdom of Forc arrives, bearing bad news. Your letter was ill-received by Princess Talia, who seemingly saw through your prose and decreed you an obsessed lunatic. How rude!

It goes without mention that she won't become your wife in any near future.

As for Wizard-hunting, your messengers heard tales that one might be roaming through a neighbouring kingdom. They've sent someone to find him and hopefully convince him to come help destroy the pestilent bloom.

6

Courtiers murmur and exchange glances of terror when the robed, bearded Wizard enters the audience room. Despite him wearing wooden clogs, his footsteps are eerily silent.

He is truly a Wizard; a man of no mortal possessions, a spirit of no mortal anchor, dressed like a human yet in the same time, he is not one. They say Wizards were before humans, before dragons, before the gods awoke from their first sleep.

He approaches your throne, and you shift uncomfortably on your seat as the Wizard's deep eyes stare as if looking directly into your soul.

"I have heard of the pestilent bloom that grows within your Kingdom's boundaries." The Wizard speaks in a deep, soft voice. "When the blossom of death thrives, the blossom of life shrivels. For the former to die and wither, the latter must be reborn." There's a silence before you furrow your brow.

"What is the meaning of this?"

"I will explain shortly, young monarch." He replies, his body unmoving. "But for my services, the price is steep. What can you offer me?"

A) "All the noble titles and wealth that you desire!"
B) "I shall make you a co-ruler of my Kingdom!"
C) "I do not know what I can offer a being of such power as yours."
D) "Riddles are not of any help to me! If you wish to speak in riddles, then you might as well just leave!"

You decide to re-write the letter using a few different words in a few different verses...

4*

Hmmmmmmmm.

You grit your teeth a little. You wish it wasn't suddenly so hard to convey your feelings on paper.

A) Let's include some gifts of goldcrafts and gilded ware just to be sure.
B) It's good as it is!

You sponsor the festivals to celebrate both the spiritual occurence and fall of Dumborr.

5

And everyone rejoiced!


You look at the painting of a young woman, with a sly smile and sparkling green eyes, a flowing waterfall of bright yellow hair, and a black pin of a birthmark under her left eye. Her green dress accents well her torso and shapes hidden under the folds of cloth.

You briefly wonder whether the painter was adding a bit too much detail or not, but you have to agree - the lady is beautiful.

"And what is the name of this goddess of beauty?" The Advisor smiles.

"She is princess Talia of Forc, my liege. One of her father's courtiers just arrived at the palace, seeking whether the new king - whom they heard is still a bachelor - would be willing to marry the princess. Although she is fourth in the line to throne of Forc, well behind her three elder brothers, this union could secure both your family line and gain us a potential ally."

A) "Nay!"
B) "Splendid! Prepare a proper response and send the courtier back with gifts!"
C) "Splendid! I shall compose a suitable letter of response myself!"

(Again).

You know the drill.

And if you don't: pick the choices below and we shall start a fast-paced dynastic game!

Name: Of the future King of Bailemarr
Name's Trait: Martial, Charismatic, Wise, Healthy, Lucky
Kingdom's Bonus: Happiness, Population, Economy, Army

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That gives us 5 players, just like last time. Splendid.

EDIT: We starting in ~24 hours.