Village Secrets

Welcome to the Coastal Realms!

You awaken in the modest Village, nestled between ancient forest and distant ocean. The morning sun illuminates humble cottages and dirt paths. Villagers go about their work - farmers, craftsmen, elders.

The Tavern hums with conversation. The Shop stands ready. The Forest looms mysteriously beyond.

What do you do?

You survey the Village more carefully.

A handful of halflings tend garden plots. Two human children chase chickens near a well. An elderly elf sits outside the council hall, watching passersby with ancient eyes.

The tavern door swings open - laughter and ale-smell drift out. Smoke rises from the shop's chimney.

What catches your interest?

You approach the Shop. The smoke carries a metallic scent - forge work, perhaps repairs.

Through the window, you glimpse a stout human shopkeeper hammering at something on an anvil. Shelves hold basic supplies: rope, tools, provisions, simple weapons.

A sign reads: “Mara's Goods & Repairs”

Do you enter?

The shopkeeper Mara looks up from her work, wiping soot from her brow. She's middle-aged, strong-armed, with kind eyes.

“Morning, traveler! Need supplies? Just finished sharpening some blades if you're headed toward the Forest.”

She gestures at her wares.

What do you say?

Mara's shop contains:

• Basic provisions (rations, waterskins)
• Simple weapons (daggers, shortswords, hunting bows)
• Tools (rope, torches, basic climbing gear)
• A worn leather map showing the Village, Forest, and River
• One peculiar item: a tarnished silver amulet on a back shelf

Prices seem fair. You notice the amulet glinting oddly.

What interests you?

Mara notices your interest and unfurls the map on her counter.

“Hand-drawn by old Fenwick, the Village cartographer. Shows the local area well enough.”

The map reveals:

• Village (center) with paths to Tavern and Shop marked
• Forest stretching north, dark and dense
• River flowing from Forest toward the ocean
• Faded marking labeled “Ruins” deep in the Forest
• Question marks near the ocean edge

“Most folk stay close to home,” Mara says quietly.

You concentrate, but nothing happens. You possess no such magic.

Mara raises an eyebrow. “The Ruins? That's deep in the Forest - half a day's journey through dangerous territory. Fey creatures, wild beasts… some say worse.”

She taps the map thoughtfully.

“If you're set on going, stock up first. And maybe ask around the Tavern - old Roderick claims he's been there.”

How do you proceed?

Mara shakes her head as you leave. “Be careful out there!”

You pass the village edge and enter the Forest. Ancient trees tower overhead, blocking sunlight. The air grows cool and damp. Strange bird calls echo around you.

The path is faint and winding. Hours pass. Shadows deepen.

Then - a rustling in the undergrowth nearby. Something is watching you.

What do you do?

You stand still, heart pounding.

The rustling stops. Then, from the ferns, emerges a small pixie - no taller than your hand. She glows faintly blue, wings humming.

She tilts her head, studying you with suspicion.

“Lost, human? Or foolish?” Her voice is like tiny bells. “The Ruins are not for wandering strangers. The old magic stirs lately…”

She hovers, waiting for your response.

The pixie's eyes widen. She flutters closer, circling you slowly.

“The Found One…” she whispers. “That's an old name. Very old. From before the elven kingdom fell.”

She stops, hovering inches from your face.

“If you speak true, the Ruins will recognize you. If you lie…” She smirks. “Well, the forest handles liars poorly.”

She gestures deeper into the woods.

“Follow. I'll take you there. But know this - others seek what sleeps in those stones.”

Do you follow her?

The pixie darts ahead. You follow for another hour through twisting paths no human would find alone.

Finally, the trees part.

Before you stand the Ruins - crumbling white stone towers, vine-covered arches, remnants of elven grandeur. A strange hum fills the air.

The pixie points to a central chamber.

“There. The heart of Aethoria awaits.”

You step inside the central chamber. Moonlight streams through the broken ceiling onto a stone pedestal.

Upon it rests a cracked crystal orb, pulsing with faint golden light. Ancient elven script circles the floor.

As you approach, the orb glows brighter. The script begins to illuminate.

Then - footsteps behind you. You're not alone.

The orb's cracks run deep, as if shattered long ago and barely holding together. Within the golden light, you glimpse swirling images - a great city, flames, screaming elves fleeing…

The script on the floor reads: “Only the Found may restore what was broken.”

The footsteps grow louder. A voice calls out:

“Step away from the artifact, stranger.”

Three cloaked figures emerge from the shadows, weapons drawn.

What do you do?